Hywel

Etymology

Hywel is a Welsh masculine given name derived from the Old Welsh Higuel, meaning "eminent, prominent" or literally "well-seen." It is cognate with the Breton name Hoel. The name was later anglicized as Howell and gave rise to the Welsh surnames Howell and Powell (a contracted form of "ap Hywel").

Historical Figures

The most renowned bearer was Hywel Dda (Hywel the Good, died 950), a 10th-century king of Deheubarth who unified much of Wales and is remembered for codifying Welsh law. Other monarchs include the legendary Hywel the Great, a 5th–6th century Breton king; Hywel ap Rhodri Molwynog, 9th-century king of Gwynedd; and the uncertain Huwal of the West Welsh. In later centuries, the name belonged to Hywel ab Owain Gwynedd (died 1170), a poet and military leader; Syr Hywel y Fwyall (fl. 1356), a Welsh knight; and modern figures such as actor Hywel Bennett (1944–2017), politician Hywel Francis (1946–2021), and figure skater Hywel Evans (born 1945).

• Meaning: "eminent, prominent" (lit. "well-seen")
• Origin: Old Welsh Higuel
• Type: Given name
• Usage regions: Wales, Brittany
• Related names: Hoel (Breton), Howell (English variant), Powell (surname)