Powell History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The Welsh surname Powell comes from the personal name Hoel or Howell, which were both derived from the Old Welsh name Houel. The surname Powell features the distinctive Welshpatronymic prefix “ap-“. The original form of the name was ap-Hoel or ap-Howell, but the prefixes have been assimilated into the surname over the course of time.

Early Origins of the Powell family

The surname Powell was first found in Breconshire (Welsh: Sir Frycheiniog), a traditional county in southern Wales, which takes its name from the Welsh kingdom of Brycheiniog (5th-10th centuries), where the name “are descended from Philip ap Howell, whose pedigree is traced to Edwin ap Grono, Lord of Tegaingl, founder of the XIII noble tribe of North Wales and Powys.” [1] However other records claim the name came from the Welsh King Hywel Dda”the Good” ap Cadell (c.880- c.950), son of Cadell ap Rhodri, in turn a son of Rhodri the Great.

Powell Spelling Variations

Although there are not an extremely large number Welsh surnames, there are an inordinately large number of spelling variations of those surnames. This variety of spellings began almost immediately after the acceptance of surnames within Welsh society. As time progressed, these old Brythonic names were eventually were recorded in English. This process was problematic in that many of the highly inflected sounds of the native language of Wales could not be properly captured in English. Some families, however, did decide to modify their own names to indicate a branch loyalty within the family, a religious adherence, or even a patriotic affiliation. The name Powell has seen various spelling variations: Powell, Powel and others.

Early Notables of the Powell family (pre 1700)

Prominent amongst the family during the late Middle Ages was Thomas Powell (c.1608-1660), a Welsh cleric and writer from Cantref, Breconshire; Sir William Powell, 1st Baronet (c.1624-1680), born William Hinson, an English politician who sat in the House of Commons in 1660; William Powell (d. 1637), was an esquire of Castle Madoc; Henry Powle (1630-1692), an English lawyer and politician, Speaker of the House of Commons in 1689; Sir Richard Powle (1628-1678), an English lawyer and politician who sat in the House of Commons from 1660 to 1678; Sir John Powell (c. 1632-1696), a Welsh judge.

Powell World Ranking

In the United States, the name Powell is the 85^th most popular surname with an estimated 231,291 people with that name. [2] However, in Canada, the name Powell is ranked the 354^thmost popular surname with an estimated 12,854 people with that name. [3] And in Newfoundland, Canada, the name Powell is the 139^th popular surname with an estimated 272 people with that name. [4] Australia ranks Powell as 137^th with 20,284 people. [5] New Zealand ranks Powell as 185^th with 2,970 people. [6] The United Kingdom ranks Powell as 81^st with 55,751 people. [7]

 Migration of the Powell family to Ireland

Some of the Powell family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.

 Powell migration to the United States +

The Welsh migration to North America in the late 19th and early 20th centuries contributed greatly to its rapid development. These migrants were in search of land, work, and freedom. Those Welsh families that survived the long ocean journey were critical to the development of new industries and factories, and to the quick settlement of land. They also added to an ever-growing rich cultural heritage. A search of the immigration and passenger lists has shown a number of people bearing the name Powell: 

Powell Settlers in United States in the 16th Century

• Edward Powell, who settled in Virginia in 1587

Powell Settlers in United States in the 17th Century

• Capt. Nathaniell Powell, who arrived in Jamestown, Virginia aboard the ship “Discovery” in 1607
• John Powell, aged 29, who arrived in Jamestown, Va in 1607 aboard the ship “Swallow” [8]
• Mr. Thomas Powell, cook, who was aboard the ship “Sea Venture” who wrecked in Bermudas in 1609, they managed to build a new ship to continue to Jamestown in 1610.
• Thomas Powell, who settled in Virginia in 1619 aboard the ship “Sampson”
• Mr. Thomas Powell, who arrived in Virgnia in 1619 aboard the ship “Seaflower” [9]