Howell

“eminent, distinguished”

Welsh origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#7920US 2023

10Births / yr

↑Rising

3.9kAll-time births

📅 Since 188000.01% of births at peak

How to pronounce Howell

HOW·ul

/ˈhaʊ.əl/ · stress on HOW · 2 syllables

“eminent, distinguished”

Welsh origin · Boy name

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 #7920 in the US.

🌿

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 Grace

How popular is Howell right now?

Rising fast — up 639 spots — currently #7920 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1880–2023#7920 · Top 5.8%

1955

1960

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

2000

2005

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
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	▼ down 132 · -21% births
1960	#1386	33	▼ down 298 · -31% births
1955	#1088	48	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Howell

Best Year1905Rank #645

Peak Count93

Average Rank#3308

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1900 - 202326 years

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:

John William James Charles George

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	14

💎With 3,871 total births, Howell is an uncommon but established name.

What are good nicknames for Howell?

Common

HowHowieHowyOwell

What names sound and feel like Howell?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Howell also consider these

Howzell

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Hozell

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Hoswell

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Jowell

English · of the jewel,

Powell

American · son of Howell

Nowell

United Kingdom · Christmas

Rowell

American · red-haired

Dowell

American · Variant of 'Dowel',

How is Howell written in other languages?

Hywel

WELSH

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 HH AW1 AH0 L. 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.