Origin & Meaning of the Penwell Surname
What does the last name Penwell mean?
The surname Penwell carries the meaning "From a spring or stream." It is derived from the Old English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 1,772 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Penwell ranks as the #16,273 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Penwell come from?
The Penwell surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of English origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Penwell name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Penwell trace back to Old English. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Penwell |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a spring or stream |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #16,273 |
| US Count (2010) | 1,772 |
| Per 100K People | 0.6 |
| First Letter | P |
Ethnic Distribution of Penwell
According to the US Census, the Penwell surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 1,772 Americans with the Penwell last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 95.99% |
| Black | 0.62% |
| Hispanic | 1.19% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.28% |
| Native American | 0.56% |
| Two or More Races | 1.35% |
Popularity of Penwell Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Penwell surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Penwell surname increased by 203 between 2000 and 2010.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Penwell
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