What does Howell mean and where does it come from?
Howell is of Welsh origin, derived from the name 'Hywel' (translated as 'eminent, distinguished'). Historical records show this name being used in Wales for centuries, with notable figures such as Hywel Dda, a 10th-century king known for his wise rulings and contributions to Welsh law. Despite its t
Cultural significance
Howell has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Welsh-speaking communities, where it reflects values of eminent, distinguished.
Peak popularity
Reached #492 in 1880 — currently #6947 in the US.
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Related Reading
Welsh-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Howell?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Howell?
Howell works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Howell Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Howell John
One syllable · timeless choice
Howell Luke
One syllable · timeless choice
Howell Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Howell Beau
One syllable · on the rise
Howell Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Howell right now?
Rising fast — up 488 spots — currently #6947 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #6947 | 12 | ▲ up 488 · +9% births |
| 2024 | #7435 | 11 | ▲ up 485 · +10% births |
| 2023 | #7920 | 10 | ▲ up 639 · +11% births |
| 2022 | #8559 | 9 | ▼ down 143 |
| 2021 | #8416 | 9 | ▼ down 2476 · -36% births |
| 2020 | #5940 | 14 | ▲ up 3625 · +100% births |
| 2015 | #9565 | 7 | ▼ down 2457 · -30% births |
| 2005 | #7108 | 10 | ▼ down 261 · +11% births |
| 2000 | #6847 | 9 | ▼ down 2670 · -31% births |
| 1990 | #4177 | 13 | ▲ up 984 · +86% births |
| 1985 | #5161 | 7 | ▼ down 655 · -12% births |
| 1980 | #4506 | 8 | ▼ down 1423 · -33% births |
| 1975 | #3083 | 12 | ▼ down 953 · -33% births |
| 1970 | #2130 | 18 | ▼ down 612 · -31% births |
| 1965 | #1518 | 26 | — |
The story of Howell
Howell has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. With 3,871 total births recorded, Howell remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #492 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #7920 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Howell in 1880:
Howell by decade
Howell peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 93 | |
| 1890s | 97 | |
| 1900s | 102 | |
| 1910s | 500 | |
| 1920s ★ | 730 | |
| 1930s | 607 | |
| 1940s | 555 | |
| 1950s | 540 | |
| 1960s | 290 | |
| 1970s | 138 | |
| 1980s | 78 | |
| 1990s | 46 | |
| 2000s | 45 | |
| 2010s | 36 | |
| 2020s | 37 | |
💎With 3,871 total births, Howell is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Howell?
What names sound and feel like Howell?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Howell also consider these
How is Howell written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Howell
What does the name Howell mean?
Howell means "eminent, distinguished" — a name rooted in Welsh tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Howell?
Howell is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Howell have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Howell?
Howell originates from Welsh tradition. Welsh names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Howell?
Howell is a two-syllable name pronounced HOW-ul. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Howell trending right now?
Howell is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.