Find out how popular the first name Howell has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Howell by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Howell is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 10 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Howell.

The history of the first name Howell

The name Howell has its origins in the Welsh language and culture, dating back to the early medieval period. It is derived from the Welsh word "howlff," which means "conspicuous" or "eminent." This suggests that the name was initially given to individuals who were prominent or distinguished in some way.

One of the earliest recorded uses of the name Howell can be found in the Welsh chronicle known as the "Brut y Tywysogion" (Chronicle of the Princes), which dates back to the 13th century. In this text, there are references to several individuals with the name Howell, including Howell ap Rhys, a Welsh prince who lived in the late 12th century.

During the Middle Ages, the name Howell became particularly popular among Welsh nobility and gentry. One notable figure from this period was Howell the Good, a 13th-century Welsh prince who ruled the Kingdom of Gwynedd. He was known for his efforts to promote peace and stability in Wales.

As the name spread beyond Wales, it also gained popularity in other parts of Britain and eventually in other English-speaking regions. One of the earliest recorded examples of the name in England was Howell ap Griffith, a Welsh soldier who fought in the Wars of the Roses during the 15th century.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals with the name Howell. One of the most famous was Howell Harris (1714-1773), a Welsh preacher and one of the leaders of the Methodist revival movement in Britain. Another was Howell Edmunds (1712-1786), an American politician and judge who served as a member of the Continental Congress.

Other notable individuals with the name Howell include Howell Cobb (1815-1868), an American politician and Confederate military leader during the Civil War; Howell Tanner (1822-1901), an American politician and Civil War veteran who served as the 23rd Governor of Indiana; and Howell Raines (born 1943), an American journalist and former executive editor of The New York Times.

While the name Howell has its roots in Wales, it has been embraced and adopted by various cultures and societies over the centuries, reflecting its enduring appeal and historical significance.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Howell was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Howell, please contact us.

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