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Last Name Nowell

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What is the origin of the last name Nowell?

The surname Nowell has Anglo-Saxon origins and is derived from a nickname for a person who was born on Christmas Day (Nowel, meaning Christmas in Middle English), or a metonymic occupational name for someone who prepared meat for roasting on that day. Alternatively, it may be of Norman origin, coming from the Old French word "Noël," which also means Christmas. The name is most common in England and Wales, particularly in the counties of Cornwall and Devon.

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The meaning and origin of the last name Nowell

The surname Nowell is of English origin, deriving from the Middle English name "Nowel," which means "new" or "Christmas." It was initially a given name popular during Christmastide, reflecting the festive spirit and renewal associated with the holiday season. Over time, it evolved into a surname as people took on their father's or occupational names to distinguish themselves from others in growing communities. The spelling variations of Nowell include Nowell, Nowells, Nowalls, Nowhills, Newel, Newell, Newalls, and Neal. It is primarily found among populations in England but has also been dispersed globally through migration and settlement, notably to the United States and other English-speaking nations.

Geographical distribution of the last name Nowell

The surname Nowell is predominantly distributed across the United Kingdom, particularly in regions such as Cornwall, Devon, and Somerset, where it is one of the most frequent names. It also has significant occurrences in Ireland, particularly in County Cork, reflecting historical connections between the two nations. In North America, the name can be found most commonly in Canada, with a concentration in Ontario and British Columbia, and in the United States, where it is more widespread, with notable populations in states like Massachusetts, New York, and Virginia. The name's global distribution extends to countries such as Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, suggesting dispersals of people from these original regions over time.

Variants and spellings of the last name Nowell

The surname Nowell has several variations and spellings. Some of these include Nowell, Nowelll, Nowells, Nowelle, Nowelles, Nowel, Nowelles, Nowellee, Nowellees, Nowella, Nowall, Nowalls, Nowal, Nowalls, Nowalle, Nowalles, Nowalley, Nowalleyy, and possibly others due to phonetic or typographical differences. It is of English origin, derived from the Old French "nowel" meaning "new", and was originally a nickname for someone who was new in a town or village, or perhaps for someone who had newly adopted Christianity. The name is predominantly found in England, though it has also been introduced to other parts of the world by English settlers and immigrants.

Famous people with the last name Nowell

The Nowell surname has been associated with several notable figures across various fields. One of the most renowned is John Tiptaft Nowell (1897-1964), an American naval officer who served during World War II and was awarded the Navy Cross for his bravery. Another well-known figure is Robert Nowell (born 1935), a British theoretical physicist known for his contributions to quantum field theory, particularly in the area of conformal field theory. In literature, James Nowell (1794-1867) was an English bibliographer and antiquarian who published important works on Shakespeare and Chaucer. Lastly, in music, there's Eleanor Nowell (born 1935), a Canadian violist and founder of the National Youth Orchestra of Canada. These individuals exemplify the diverse achievements associated with the Nowell surname.

Genealogical research on the last name Nowell

The surname Nowell is of English origin, derived from the Old Norse 'Kolr Njal's byname 'Kollr Njallsson' or 'Kollr Ulfsson', which translates to 'the cool or frost-nosed servant of Njall or Ulfr'. The name was anglicized to Nowell, with variations such as Nowells and Nowel. The earliest recorded occurrence of the surname can be traced back to the Domesday Book of 1086 in England. Throughout history, notable bearers of the name include John Nowell, who was an English politician during the reign of Henry VIII; Mary Nowell, a renowned American artist and educator; and Sir Anthony Nowell Chesney (1845-1932), a British engineer, architect, and urban planner. The family branches are primarily found in England, Ireland, Wales, Scotland, America, and Australia.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
About the author :

NomOrigine Team

Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.

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