Surname Sowles - Meaning and Origin

Sowles: What does the surname Sowles mean?

The surname Sowles is of English origin and is considered a patronymic surname. Patronymic surnames are derived from the first name of the father, and typically have a suffix indicating so. Though the specific meaning and origin of Sowles are unclear, it possibly derived from the medieval personal name "Solomon", from the Old Testament King Solomon, or it might be a variant of "Soule", an occupational name for a shoemaker or a name for a person who lived near a notable rock or boulder. Keep in mind that due to the regional differences in dialect and spelling in the past, there might be many variations of the same name carrying similar meanings. As with many surnames, understanding the definitive origin and meaning can be challenging, as they have transformed over centuries. Furthermore, surnames were often based on many factors such as occupation, location, personal characteristics, or even nicknames, adding to the complexity.

Sowles: Where does the name Sowles come from?

Today, the surname Sowles is primarily concentrated in the United States, in particular in the northern Midwest and Southern states. It is most commonly found in Michigan, followed by New York, Virginia, California, and Washington. The surname is believed to have first been used in the 13th century and is believed to have originated in England. It is an anglicized version of the medieval French Soules or Souliès, which was derived from the Latin root sol (sun).

In the United States, the first record of a person with the name Sowles dates back to the year 1602, when a named Isacke Sowles arrived in Virginia. Since then, the name has continued to grow and spread throughout the country, with its presence today being concentrated in the northern Midwest and Southeast.

The Sowles surname is often seen in records of the military, with members of the Sowles family having served in the United States military throughout its history. Over the centuries, it has grown in popularity and prominence, and continues to be a common surname in the United States today.

Many Sowles continue to reside in Michigan, where the surname originated. Members of the Sowles family can be found across the state, including in Detroit, Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, and other cities.

In addition, the Sowles name can be found in other countries around the world. In England, the surname Sowles is still prominent, particularly in the northern part of the country. In France, the ancient variant Souliès is still used in some families. The Sowles name is also present in other European countries, such as Germany, and can also be found in other areas of the world such as Canada and Australia.

Variations of the surname Sowles

The Sowles surname has many variants, spellings, and associated surnames, which demonstrates its long history in the English-speaking world. Spellings of the Sowles surname include Soules, Soals, Soulls, Sowlls, Souls, Seals, and Sowles. All of these spellings are derived from the Old French "soule/sole," meaning "soul" or "sole," and were likely adopted due to a variety of dialects and spelling changes over time.

Other surnames sharing similar roots include Saeles, Sawles, Saoules, Soules, and Sowles. Some of these surnames have been in use since the thirteenth century, when men typically took their second name from their father's given name. In some cases Sowles may even have evolved from the Germanic name Soulcon or Solan.

In the United States, variants of the Sowles surname are primarily located in the Midwest. In fact, some families who are descended from Soules of Great Britain can be found in North Dakota, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Additionally, variants of the Sowles surname have been used in Scotland, England, and Wales.

Today, the Sowles surname is primarily used in Scotland, with 600-700 individuals in Scotland alone having the surname. In many cases, the Sowles surname is still predominantly found in the countries of origin, although the surname has spread to other countries as well.

Famous people with the name Sowles

• David Sowles: alpine ski racer
• Edward F. Sowles: American Medal of Honor recipient who served in the United States Navy during the Spanish–American War
• Henry J. Sowles: American lawyer and politician
• Joshua Sowles: American actor
• Kyle Sowles: English football midfielder
• Mike Sowles: American professional golfer
• Patrick Sowles: American physicist
• Richard Sowles: American professor of education
• Robert Sowles: American politician
• Stephen J. Sowles: American professional ice hockey player
• Trisha Sowles: Scottish folk musician
• Zachary Sowles: American diver

Other surnames

Sowle