Howells

Howells is a surname of Welsh origin. It is a patronymic form derived from Howell, which itself comes from the Welsh given name Hywel, meaning “eminent” or “conspicuous.” The suffix -s or -ls in Howells marks a family or lineage, indicating descendants of Howell. The name spread through Wales and England and was later carried to other English-speaking regions through migration, resulting in communities with the surname Howells in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

In geography, Howells appears as a place name in the United States. Howells, Nebraska is a village in Dodge County, named for local or regional figures associated with its founding. Other small communities or geographic features may bear the surname as well.

Notable people with the surname include William Dean Howells (1837–1920), an American novelist, critic, and editor widely associated with late 19th-century realism and the Atlantic Monthly. The Howells name has appeared in various spheres, including literature, academia, and public life, reflecting its long-standing presence in English-speaking countries.

Variant spellings include Howell and Howel, with the latter sometimes serving as an independent given name or surname in its own right. See also Howell (surname) for related etymology and notable individuals.