Summary

The surname Cowell is of English origin and is derived from the Old English word 'cū', meaning 'cow', and 'well', meaning 'spring' or 'stream'. It is believed to have originated as a topographic name for someone who lived near a stream or spring frequented by cows. The surname has a long history and is found in various regions of England.
There are
6618
Cowells in the USA
Cowell is the
5269th
most common last name in the USA

Historical figures and celebrities called Cowell

SimonCowell

Simon Cowell is a British television personality, entrepreneur, and record executive, known for his role as a judge on shows like 'American Idol' and 'The X Factor.'

HenryCowell

Henry Cowell was an American composer, music theorist, and pianist, known for his experimental and innovative approach to music.

GaryCowell

Gary Cowell is a British mountaineer who became the youngest Briton to climb Mount Everest.

DavidCowell

David Cowell is a British actor who has appeared in various films and television shows, including 'Chariots of Fire' and 'Inspector Morse.'

JaneCowell

Jane Cowell is an Australian author known for her mystery novels and crime fiction, including the 'Mystery Bay' series.

RogerCowell

Roger Cowell was a British racing driver who competed in Formula One and is best known for his victory in the 1962 Monaco Grand Prix.

ElizabethCowell

Elizabeth Cowell is an American entrepreneur known for co-founding the popular photo-sharing app Instagram.

RobertCowell

Robert Cowell was a British racing driver and military officer who, after transitioning, became one of the first British individuals to undergo sex reassignment surgery.

JenniferCowell

Jennifer Cowell is a Canadian figure skater who represented Canada at the Winter Olympics and is known for her artistic and technical skills on the ice.

JohnCowell

John Cowell is a British entrepreneur who founded the successful online retailer ASOS (As Seen on Screen).

Cowell Genealogy

OriginsThe surname 'Cowell' is of English origin and is derived from the Middle English word 'col', meaning 'charcoal.' It was likely a occupational surname given to someone who worked with charcoal or was associated with the trade in some way.
Geographic DistributionThe surname 'Cowell' is most commonly found in England, particularly in the counties of Lancashire and Yorkshire. It is also found in smaller numbers in other English-speaking countries such as the United States and Canada.
VariationsVariations of the surname 'Cowell' include 'Cowle' and 'Cole'.
Migration and ImmigrationThe migration and immigration of people with the surname 'Cowell' is not well-documented. However, it is likely that some individuals with the name migrated to other English-speaking countries during periods of colonization and industrialization.