Find out how popular the first name Powell has been for the last 50 years (from 1975 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Powell by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Powell is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 98% of people named Powell being male.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 10 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Powell.

The history of the first name Powell

The name Powell has its origins in the Welsh language and culture. It is derived from the Welsh word "ap Hywel," which means "son of Hywel." Hywel was a common Welsh name that can be traced back to the 9th century AD.

In its earliest form, the name was likely spelled as "ap Hywel" or "ap Howell." Over time, it evolved into the modern spelling of "Powell." The name was initially used as a patronymic, indicating the father's name, but eventually became a distinct surname.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Powell can be found in the Welsh Chronicles, where it appears as "Hywel ap Rhys" in the 12th century. This individual was a prominent Welsh prince and nobleman.

During the Middle Ages, the name Powell began to spread beyond Wales and into other parts of Britain. It was particularly common in the English counties of Shropshire, Herefordshire, and Gloucestershire, which had strong Welsh influences.

Notable individuals named Powell throughout history include:

1. William Powell (1592-1652), an English actor and playwright during the Elizabethan era, known for his roles in Shakespeare's plays.
2. Enoch Powell (1912-1998), a British politician and controversial figure known for his "Rivers of Blood" speech on immigration.
3. Robert Towne Powell (1918-2007), an American artist and printmaker, best known for his woodcut prints depicting scenes from the American West.
4. Michael Powell (1905-1990), an English filmmaker and director, known for his collaborations with Emeric Pressburger, including "The Red Shoes" and "Black Narcissus."
5. Colin Powell (1937-2021), an American statesman and retired four-star general who served as the 65th United States Secretary of State under President George W. Bush.

The name Powell has a rich history and has been borne by notable individuals across various fields, from the arts and literature to politics and military service.

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

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

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