Surname Nowels - Meaning and Origin
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Nowels: What does the surname Nowels mean?
The surname Nowels doesn't have a specific meaning traced back to an exact language because it is relatively modern and synthesized from other surnames. Nowels has possible English or Welsh origins, derived from the personal name Nowell, an Anglicization of the French Noel, meaning ‘Christmas’. It could also be from a medieval personal name, Knowell, from Old English cnoll, denoting ‘hilltop, summit’. Moreover, Nowels could originate from the Welsh personal name Howell, derived from the Welsh word "hywel" meaning "eminent, distinguished." As surnames often represent geographical locations or occupations, it could also signify someone who lived by a knoll or hilltop. However, like many surnames, the exact meaning can vary based on regional history and family lineage. It is always a good idea to trace back the specific genealogy and historical origins of the surname for an accurate meaning and back-story.
Order DNA origin analysisNowels: Where does the name Nowels come from?
The surname Nowels is of English origin, usually linked to the medieval given name Noel, which was given to someone born on Christmas Day. This name was derived from the Old French word 'noel' which means 'Christmas,' derived from Latin 'natalis', which means ‘birthday’. It was introduced into England by the Normans after the Conquest of 1066.
Variants of the surname Nowels include Nowell, Noel, Knowell, and others. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Reginold Noel (an early namebearer) who was documented in the "Hundred Rolls of Yorkshire", dated 1273.
Today, the Nowels surname is extremely rare and not commonly found in any specific country. However, as per the distribution of this surname in the modern era, it can be seen sporadically spread across the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia, with a few bearers in Canada and parts of Europe. It is therefore slightly more prevalent in English-speaking countries.
Variations of the surname Nowels
The surname Nowels is believed to be of English origin and can be traced back to the Middle Ages. Several variations of the surname exist, some due to regional dialects, phonetic spelling, or translation errors over time.
Some variants of the surname Nowels include Nowell, Noel, Knowles, Noll, Nelles, Noell, Noelle, Knowell, Knollys, Nolles, Nole, Nohl, and Noale.
It's common to find alternate spellings in different regions; for example, Knowles is more common in the northern parts of England, while Noel is more often seen in France since the name is of Norman origin and also means "Christmas" in French.
The surname Nowels is occasionally spelled with double letters, leading to spellings such as Nowell or Noelle. It is also often spelled phonetically, which has led to a multitude of variants.
Interestingly, several of these surname variants - such as Knowles and Noel - have now become popular as first names. Another concept worth noting is that surnames like these were often given to individuals born around Christmas time.
Each variant carries the same lineage and origin, tracing back to the same original surname.
Famous people with the name Nowels
- Richard Nowels: Grammy-nominated American music producer, songwriter, singer and multi-instrumentalist.
- Lauren Nowels: American rock musician and songwriter, founding member of the group Now It's Overhead.
- April Nowels: writer and executive producer of television programs and feature films.
- Jack Nowels: Canadian record producer, songwriter, musician and engineer.
- Jay Nowels: American record producer, mixing engineer and songwriter.
- Chris Nowels: American jazz musician and composer.
- Paul Nowels: English record producer, songwriter and musician.
- Stephen Nowels: American musician and songwriter, member of the OneRepublic group.
- Susanna Nowels: English musician, sound designer and teacher.
- cloture Nowels: French singer-songwriter.