Howell is a Welsh surname derived from the Welsh personal name “Hywel”, meaning “eminent”. The name was popularized in the Middle Ages by a 10th-century Welsh king named Hywel Dda, who is known for his codification of Welsh law. Today, the Howell surname is relatively common in Wales and the United States. Notable bearers of the name include American basketball player Josh Howell and Welsh singer and songwriter Cerys Matthews.