Powell
Powell: name meaning, origin and popularity
Pronunciation (IPA): /paʊl/ · /pəʊl/
Meaning and origin of Powell
Root meaning: “son of Hywel”
- A male given name.
Etymology
The anglicized form of Welsh ap Hywel (“son of Hywel”). Related to Howell and Huell. Sometimes also associated with Paul by folk etymology.
How popular is Powell?
Since 1880, 6 girls and 1,485 boys in the U.S. have been named Powell (0% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #15791 in 2016. Its highest rank for boys was #936 in 1891. In 2025, 9 babies were given the name, outside the top 1,000.
Sibling name ideas for Powell
Names that peaked around the same time as Powell and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.
Powell FAQ
What does the name Powell mean?
Powell traces back to a root meaning "son of Hywel". A male given name. The anglicized form of Welsh ap Hywel (“son of Hywel”). Related to Howell and Huell. Sometimes also associated with Paul by folk etymology.
How popular is the name Powell?
Since 1880, 6 girls and 1,485 boys in the U.S. have been named Powell (0% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #15791 in 2016. Its highest rank for boys was #936 in 1891. In 2025, 9 babies were given the name, outside the top 1,000.
Is Powell a boy or girl name?
Powell is mostly a boy name in the U.S.: 6 girls and 1,485 boys since 1880.
Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880–2025 (names given to 5+ babies per year). Origin and etymology text: Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.