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

Popularity of Lowell by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Lowell is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 100% of people named Lowell being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 31 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Lowell.

The history of the first name Lowell

The name Lowell has its origins in the English language and can be traced back to the Middle Ages. It is derived from the Old English words "lo" meaning "hill" or "mound" and "well" meaning "spring" or "stream." Together, these words combine to form the meaning "one who lives near a spring on a hill."

In its earliest recorded use, the name appears in various forms such as "Lovel," "Lovell," and "Lovewell" in medieval English records and manuscripts. It was initially a surname that later transitioned into a given name.

One of the earliest known individuals with the name Lowell was Sir Lovel Pounsard, a Norman knight who fought alongside William the Conqueror during the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. Another notable figure was Francis Lovelace, an English colonial officer who served as the governor of New York from 1668 to 1673.

The name gained further prominence in the 19th century with the rise of the American industrialist and philanthropist Lowell Mason (1792-1872), who is credited with introducing music instruction into public schools in the United States. Lowell, Massachusetts, a city known for its textile mills, was named after him.

Another famous bearer of the name was the American poet Robert Lowell (1917-1977), who was part of the confessional poetry movement and won the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry twice. His works, such as "Life Studies" and "For the Union Dead," explored personal and historical themes.

In the realm of politics, Lowell Palmer Weicker Jr. (born 1931) is a former U.S. Senator and Governor of Connecticut, known for his independent and moderate stance on various issues. He played a pivotal role in the Watergate scandal investigation as a member of the Senate Watergate Committee.

Lowell George (1945-1979) was a significant figure in the rock music scene, best known as the founder and lead singer of the band Little Feat. His unique blend of rock, blues, and country music influenced many artists in the following decades.

These are just a few notable examples of individuals who have carried the name Lowell throughout history, each leaving their mark in their respective fields and contributing to the rich tapestry of cultural and historical significance associated with this name.

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

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

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