Dowell is of English origin, derived from the Old Norse personal name "Þórvaldr," which is composed of the elements "þórr" meaning "Thor," the god of thunder in Norse mythology, and "valdr" meaning "powerful." The name was introduced to England by Norse settlers during the Viking Age. It became established as a given name among the English nobility in the Middle Ages, with notable bearers including Sir John Dowell, who served as Sheriff of Worcestershire in the late 14th century. Today, Dowell is still used as a given name, primarily in English-speaking countries. It has also been used as a surname over the centuries, particularly among those descended from early Norse settlers in Britain and Ireland.
The name Dowell appears to have experienced periods of popularity and decline in the early-to-mid 20th century, with a total of 211 recorded births spread over several decades. The highest number of births in a single year was 10, occurring in 1919. However, there are also many years with only 5 or fewer births.