Surname Sowell - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'S'
Unlocking the Genetic Secrets of the Sowell Surname: An iGENEA DNA Test Account
My recent iGENEA DNA test afforded me the opportunity to delve into the biological, geographical, and historical secrets of my surname, Sowell. The informative journey honed in on not only Western European genealogical roots but also hinted at the shared history with the distinct Basque people, migration patterns, and possible health risks.
G. Sowell
read moreSowell: What does the surname Sowell mean?
The surname Sowell is primarily of English origin and is considered to be a geographical surname. It is believed to be derived from various places in England called Sewell, Soul, Sowell, or similar variations, which fall into the category of habitation names. These kinds of surnames were taken from the places where the original bearers lived or owned land.
Furthermore, the name can be traced back further to Old English elements. It includes "sulh," which translates to "plow" and "hyll," meaning "hill". So, in a certain interpretation, the name could mean "hill where plows are kept" or "plow’s hill." Variations of this type of surname have been recorded in English documents dating back to the 13th centuries.
Like most surnames, there may be several derivations, but studying genealogical records and tracing back familial lines can give a more accurate source for a specific family's surname. It must be noted however, the exact etymology may vary for different families bearing the same surname, as it could have been adopted for different reasons or from different sources through generations.
Order DNA origin analysisSowell: Where does the name Sowell come from?
The last name Sowell is generally associated with African American and Southern American origins and is most commonly found in the United States.
In the 2010 US Census data, the most populous states to claim members of the Sowell family were Texas, Georgia, and Florida. Active Sowell populations are reported in these three states today.
Texas, especially the cities of Houston and Dallas, have the highest concentration of the Sowell family, according to the 2010 US Census data. Reports from recent data are suggesting that Sowell households have been gaining population in the Lone Star State in recent years.
In Georgia, the Atlanta metropolitan area and Augusta are the hubs of the Sowell family with many descendants living in these cities.
Florida's Sowell population is strong in Miami, Jacksonville, and Orlando. They are a key part of the African American and Southern American communities in these cities.
The Sowell family is extremely prominent in the Southern states with a historically large presence in the local areas. People with the last name Sowell are spread out across the United States, but the name remains concentrated in the Southern states.
Variations of the surname Sowell
The surname Sowell has many variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. These include Sewall, Sewell, Siewell, Suarez, Suaz, Szez, Sabbat, Sable, Sommes, Souboul, Sael, Sorrel, and Salby.
Sowell is a surname derived from the Old English word sales, meaning ‘dweller by the willow’ or ‘dweller by the sea.’ It is most likely an occupational name for someone who was associated with the production of fishing nets or other goods made from willow.
The Sewall variant of the surname Sowell is of English origin and derives from the Anglo-Saxon era. The spelling variations of this name include Sewel, Sewell, Siwel, Sioel, Sywell, Seywell and Seawell. The name could also stem from the place-name Sewell in the county of Buckinghamshire or from Sewal, in Kent.
The Siewell variant is related to the Sewall surname, as it is a variant of the Old English word sea, meaning ‘sea’. This variant of the Sowell surname is likely an occupational name for someone who was involved in the production of goods from the ocean.
The Suarez, Suaz, Szez, and Sable variants are derived from the Spanish word suero which means ‘son of.’ These variants of the Sowell surname are derived from a patronymic name, which was derived from the given name of one’s father or a more distant ancestor, such as an ancestor from a different country.
The Sommes and Sorrel variants stem from a French name, derived from the Latin word soror, which means ‘sister.’ These variants of the Sowell surname were likely derived from a name that designated one's siblings or family members.
The Souboul, Sael, and Salby variants of the Sowell surname can also be derived from a French origin, with the roots of these variants stemming from the Latin word sabulum, which means ‘small sand.’ These variants of the Sowell surname likely designated one's place of origin.
Famous people with the name Sowell
- Thomas Sowell: Thomas Sowell is a prominent American author, economist, and political commentator. He is well known for his advocacy of free market economics and has written a number of books, including his bestseller Basic Economics.
- Michael Sowell: Michael Sowell is an American actor, known for his roles in District 9, The River Why, and The Good Doctor.
- Steve Sowell: Steve Sowell is an American basketball coach who is currently the head coach of the North Carolina State Wolfpack men's basketball team.
- Frederick Sowell: Frederick Sowell is a Venezuelan actor and producer, best known for his work in the television show Todo se Ganó, and the Spanish film Bésame Mucho.
- Tabitha Sowell: Tabitha Sowell is an American television host and actor, most known for her work as a host for the Christian prayer network TBN Presents.
- Ian Sowell: Ian Sowell is an American musician, best known for being the lead guitarist of the Christian rock and metal band, Pillar.
- Amanda Sowell: Amanda Sowell is an American figure skater, who competed in the 2018 U.S. National Figure Skating Championships alongside her partner Ryan Benoit.
- David Sowell: David Sowell is an American basketball coach who is currently the head coach of the Arkansas Tech men's basketball team.
- Jerrod Sowell: Jerrod Sowell is an American football player, who played for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League (NFL).
- James Sowell: James Sowell is an American blogger, financial analyst, and author, best known for his “The Road Less Traveled To Financial Freedom” blog.