Origin & Meaning of the Powell Surname
What does the last name Powell mean?
The surname Powell 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 224,874 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Powell ranks as the #101 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Powell come from?
The Powell 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 Powell name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Powell 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 | Powell |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a spring or stream |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #101 |
| US Count (2010) | 224,874 |
| Per 100K People | 76.23 |
| First Letter | P |
Ethnic Distribution of Powell
According to the US Census, the Powell surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 224,874 Americans with the Powell last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 67.2% |
| Black | 27.12% |
| Hispanic | 2.31% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.46% |
| Native American | 0.62% |
| Two or More Races | 2.29% |
Popularity of Powell Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Powell surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Powell surname increased by 8,321 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other English Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Powell
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