Summary

The surname Colwell is of English origin and is derived from the Old English words 'col', meaning 'dark' or 'black', and 'well', meaning 'spring' or 'stream'. It may have been used to describe someone who lived near a dark or black stream. The surname has a long history dating back to medieval times.
There are
10140
Colwells in the USA
Colwell is the
3518th
most common last name in the USA

Historical figures and celebrities called Colwell

HenryColwell

American inventor and businessman who is famous for inventing the Colwell typewriter, which was a significant improvement over previous typewriters in terms of speed and ease of use.

RachelColwell

English suffragette and women's rights activist who played a crucial role in the suffrage movement in the early 20th century, advocating for women's right to vote and gender equality.

JohnColwell

Scottish mathematician and physicist renowned for his contributions to the field of quantum mechanics, particularly in the development of mathematical equations and models.

AlexandraColwell

Canadian environmentalist and conservationist who dedicated her life to protecting endangered species and preserving biodiversity, founding several influential organizations in the field.

WilliamColwell

Irish poet and playwright, known for his poetic works that explore themes of love, loss, and the human condition, often incorporating elements of Irish folklore and mythology.

Colwell Genealogy

OriginsThe surname Colwell has origins in Old English, derived from the words 'col,' meaning 'dark,' and 'well,' meaning 'spring' or 'stream.' It likely referred to someone who lived near a dark-colored spring or stream.
Geographic DistributionThe surname Colwell is found primarily in English-speaking countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and Australia.
VariationsVariations of the surname Colwell include Caldwell and Colville.
Migration and ImmigrationMigration and immigration of individuals with the surname Colwell occurred during various periods and in different places. Some notable instances include the migration of Colwells from England to North America during the colonial period, particularly in the 17th and 18th centuries. Additionally, waves of immigration occurred in the 19th and 20th centuries, as Colwells sought new opportunities and settled in countries like the United States and Canada.