Howell
Howell is a boy's name of Welsh origin.
Meaning
Eminent, prominent, or high.
Origin and history
Howell is an Anglicized form of the traditional Welsh name Hywel, historically borne by notable Welsh rulers such as Hywel Dda. It also developed as an English surname before being adopted as a given name. In the United States, it has been used moderately throughout history, remaining a distinctive vintage choice.
Popularity in the United States
3,923 babies in the United States have been named Howell since 1880. It ranks #2031 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1862.
States where it is most popular
- GA (35.4 %)
- TX (22.7 %)
- TN (11.9 %)
- AL (11.4 %)
- NC (4.7 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 93 |
| 1890-1900 | 97 |
| 1900-1910 | 102 |
| 1910-1920 | 500 |
| 1920-1930 | 730 |
| 1930-1940 | 607 |
| 1940-1950 | 556 |
| 1950-1960 | 540 |
| 1960-1970 | 290 |
| 1970-1980 | 138 |
| 1980-1990 | 78 |
| 1990-2000 | 46 |
| 2000-2010 | 45 |
| 2010-2019 | 36 |
| 2020-2029 | 65 |
Famous people named Howell
- Howell Raines: Journalist, Author
- Howell Edmunds Jackson: Supreme Court Justice, Politician
Fun facts
- The name originates from Hywel Dda (Hywel the Good), a famous 10th-century king of Wales known for codifying Welsh law.
- Like many traditional Welsh given names, Howell transitioned into a common surname before returning to use as a given name in English-speaking regions.