Newell is a name of English origin, derived from the Middle English word "newel," which refers to a central column or pillar in a building. It was often used as a surname for someone who lived near such a structure. Over time, Newell has also been adopted as a given name, particularly in the United States.
The meaning of Newell is not explicitly defined by any specific virtues or attributes, but it can be associated with ideas of centrality, strength, and support, as newels often serve as crucial structural elements in architecture. However, it's important to note that these associations are metaphorical and may vary depending on cultural and individual interpretations.
The history of the name Newell dates back to medieval England. As a surname, it was first recorded in the late 13th century, with early bearers including John atte Newele, who was listed in the Sussex Subsidy Rolls of 1296. The name was brought to America by English settlers, and it has since been used as both a first name and surname among American families.
Today, Newell is a rare but not unheard-of name, with a small number of people bearing this unique moniker around the world. It retains its connection to architectural history while also being seen as a distinctive given name option.
Here is an informative and positive piece of writing about the statistics regarding the name Newell:
The name Newell has a rich history in the United States, with its first recorded birth in 1881, when 14 newborns were named Newell. The following year saw a decrease to just 5 births, but this number fluctuated over the next few decades, ranging from as low as 5 to as high as 24 births per year.
Interestingly, there was a significant increase in the popularity of the name Newell starting from 1912. That year, there were 41 births, and this number continued to rise steadily throughout the early 20th century. The peak of Newell's popularity occurred in 1915, with an impressive total of 82 newborns sharing this distinctive name.
Despite a gradual decline in popularity over the subsequent decades, Newell remained a relatively common name through the mid-20th century. Between 1940 and 1960, there were consistently around 15 to 30 births per year with the name Newell.
However, as societal tastes shifted towards more modern and unique names in the latter half of the century, Newell's popularity began to wane. Between 1970 and 2000, fewer than 10 newborns were named Newell each year on average.
Remarkably, despite this decline in popularity, Newell has continued to appear among baby names in the United States even into the 21st century. From 2008 to 2019, there have been at least five births per year with the name Newell, indicating that while it may not be as popular as it once was, Newell still holds appeal for some parents.
In total, over the course of more than a century (1881-2019), there have been 3,239 newborns named Newell in the United States. This demonstrates that while trends and tastes may change over time, the name Newell has maintained a consistent presence among American baby names.