Last Name Powis

Learn more about the origin of the last name Powis

The meaning and origin of the last name Powis

The surname Powis is of Welsh origin, derived from the place name Powys, a historic region in Wales. The name is believed to come from the Old Welsh word "pou" meaning "pool" or "pit" and the suffix "-ys" indicating a location. It is likely that the surname was originally used to identify individuals who hailed from the Powys region or had some connection to it. Over time, the name has been passed down through generations and is now found among families with Welsh ancestry.

Geographical distribution of the last name Powis

The last name Powis is primarily found in the United Kingdom, particularly in Wales and England. Within England, it is most common in the county of Shropshire, where the town of Powis is located. There are also significant concentrations of individuals with the surname Powis in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, primarily due to historical migration patterns. In these countries, the name is often found in areas with a strong history of British colonization and immigration. Overall, Powis is a relatively uncommon surname, with the majority of individuals bearing this name having ancestral ties to the United Kingdom.

Variants and spellings of the last name Powis

The last name Powis can be spelled as Powys, Powiz, Poywis, Powiis, Powies, Powes, Powiss, Pows, Powysse, and Powizze. These variations may occur due to regional dialects, misspellings, or anglicized versions of the original surname. Each variation still retains the basic sound and structure of the name Powis, with slight differences in vowels and consonants. Overall, the variations of Powis demonstrate the flexibility and evolution of surnames over time.

Famous people with the last name Powis

Some of the most famous people with the last name Powis include Robert Powis, who was a British military officer known for his service during the Napoleonic Wars, and the Powis family of Wales, who have been influential landowners and politicians in the region for centuries. Additionally, Henry Powis, a prominent businessman and philanthropist in the 19th century, left a lasting impact on the city of Manchester through his charitable work and business ventures. The Powis name is also associated with Powis Castle, a historic estate in Wales that has been owned by the National Trust since 1952. Overall, the Powis family has a rich history and has made significant contributions to various fields throughout the years.

Genealogical research on the last name Powis

The Powis surname is of English origin, derived from various place names such as Powys in Wales or Powis in Shropshire. The name is believed to have originated from the Old Welsh word "ap" meaning son of, indicating a patronymic origin. Early records of the Powis surname date back to the 13th century in England. Notable individuals with the Powis surname include Sir Edward Clive, who was made Baron Clive of Walcot and Earl of Powis in 1804. Genealogical research on the Powis family may reveal connections to prominent historical figures, as well as details about their origins, migrations, and occupations over the centuries.