Sorrel Girl
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: SOR-el /ˈsɔːr.əl/
Origin: French; English
Meaning: French: a type of herb; English: reddish color
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Sorrel has its roots in the Old French word "sorel," which means "reddish-brown" and is derived from the Latin "sorrelus," a diminutive form of "sorres," meaning "sorrel" or "sour." This term originally referred to the plant known for its tangy leaves, which were used in cooking and traditional medicine. The name entered the English language during the medieval period, reflecting the common practice of naming children after plants or colors, which was prevalent in various cultures.
The association with the color reddish-brown likely contributed to its adoption as a given name, particularly for girls, as colors often held significant meaning in naming conventions. Historically, the name Sorrel has been used in various literary contexts, notably in the works of authors such as William Shakespeare, who employed nature-related names to evoke imagery and character traits.
The name's presence in literature during the Renaissance period helped solidify its place in English culture. Additionally, the use of Sorrel as a name can be traced back to the 17th century, when it began appearing in records and literature, marking its gradual acceptance as a personal name rather than merely a descriptor.
Culturally, Sorrel has been associated with themes of nature and vitality, reflecting the characteristics of the plant itself. In some traditions, names derived from flora are believed to embody certain qualities, such as resilience and nourishment.
The name Sorrel may also evoke a sense of connection to the earth and the changing seasons, aligning with the broader human experience of growth and renewal. While diminutive forms like Sorrell or even variations in spelling exist, the core essence of the name remains tied to its natural origins and historical significance.
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Fictional characters named Sorrel
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U.S. Historical Usage
The name Sorrel was first seen in the United States in 1973. Sorrel has ranked as high as #1367 nationally, which occurred in 2023, and has been most popular in . In the past 5 years the name Sorrel has been trending about the same compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Sorrel
No state data available for this year.
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1973 | 5 |
| 1995 | 5 |
| 1996 | 5 |
| 1999 | 6 |
| 2003 | 5 |
| 2004 | 8 |
| 2006 | 5 |
| 2008 | 5 |
| 2012 | 5 |
| 2013 | 5 |
| 2014 | 8 |
| 2015 | 8 |
| 2017 | 6 |
| 2018 | 6 |
| 2020 | 5 |
| 2023 | 9 |
| 2024 | 6 |