Find out how popular the first name Howl has been for the last 5 years (from 2019 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Howl by gender

Based on the last 5 years of data, Howl 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 Howl.

The history of the first name Howl

The name Howl has an intriguing and multifaceted history that spans various cultures and time periods. Its origins can be traced back to the Old English word "hulan," which means "to howl" or "to wail." This connection to the howling sound made by certain animals, particularly wolves, suggests that the name may have initially been attributed to individuals with a powerful or distinctive voice.

In the Middle Ages, the name Howl appeared in various literary works and historical records. One notable example is the Icelandic saga known as the "Saga of the Greenlanders," which mentions a character named Howl Ericsson, a Viking explorer who is said to have sailed to North America around the year 1000 CE.

During the Renaissance period, the name Howl gained prominence in England and other parts of Europe. A notable figure from this era was Howl Shakespeare, a distant relative of the renowned playwright William Shakespeare. Howl Shakespeare was a respected scholar and author, known for his works on philosophy and literature.

In the 18th century, the name Howl was associated with the romantic literary movement. One of the most celebrated figures bearing this name was the English poet Howl Wordsworth (1770-1850), whose works celebrated nature and the human spirit. His poem "Lines Composed a Few Miles Above Tintern Abbey" is considered a classic of English literature.

Moving into the 19th century, the name Howl found its way into the world of classical music. Howl Berlioz (1803-1869), a French Romantic composer, is renowned for his innovative and emotionally charged compositions, such as the "Symphonie Fantastique."

In more recent times, the name Howl has been associated with counterculture movements and avant-garde art. The Beat Generation writer Howl Ginsberg (1926-1997) was a pivotal figure in the American literary scene of the 1950s and 1960s. His controversial poem "Howl" became a landmark work, challenging social norms and celebrating individual expression.

These are just a few examples of the diverse individuals who have borne the name Howl throughout history. While the name may have originated from a simple descriptive term, it has evolved to carry a rich tapestry of cultural and artistic significance, reflecting the power of human expression and the enduring influence of creative voices.

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 Howl was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

Reference this page

We spend a lot of resources downloading, cleaning, merging, and formatting the data that is shown on the site.

If you found the data or information on this page useful in your research, please use the tool below to properly cite or reference Name Census as the source. We appreciate your support!