Povlsen is a Danish surname. Notable people with the surname include:

• Anders Holch Povlsen (born 1972), Danish billionaire
• Flemming Povlsen (born 1966), Danish former professional football player
• Kasper Povlsen (born 1989), Danish footballer
• Troels Holch Povlsen (born 1949), Danish businessman, founder of fashion chain Bestseller