Darrell Boy
Origin(s)
PronunciationDARE-el / /ˈdɛr.əl/English; French
Meaning
English: beloved; French: to be dear
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Darrell has its roots in the Old French surname "Darell," which is derived from the Norman personal name "Darel," itself a diminutive of the name "Dare," meaning "beloved" or "dear." This name entered the English language following the Norman Conquest of England in the 11th century, when many Norman names and surnames were adopted by the English populace. The transition from the surname to a given name occurred over several centuries, with the name becoming more common in England by the late Middle Ages.
Historically, the name Darrell has been associated with various notable figures, including members of the English gentry and nobility. One significant milestone in the name's history is its appearance in literary works, particularly during the Renaissance when names reflecting affection and endearment became popular. The name has also been linked to the Darrell family, who were prominent in English history, particularly in the 15th and 16th centuries, contributing to its recognition.
Culturally, the name Darrell has been associated with qualities of warmth and affection, resonating with its etymological roots. It has been used in various forms of literature and art, often symbolizing loyalty and fondness. The name's diminutive form, Darry, has also been used historically, though it is less common. Overall, Darrell reflects a blend of linguistic evolution and cultural significance, maintaining its relevance through its historical associations and the sentiments it evokes.
Trend Summary
Darrell experienced a peak in popularity in the mid-20th century but has seen a decline in recent years.
Similar Names
Variants
- Darell
- Darrel
International Variants
- Darel (Arabic)
- Dario (Italian)
Famous people named Darrell
Darrell Waltrip is a former NASCAR driver and commentator best known for winning three NASCAR Cup Series championships and his work with Fox Sports.
Darrell Hammond is an actor and comedian best known for his work on Saturday Night Live, as well as roles in films like Scary Movie 3 and 4.
Darrell Green is a former professional American football player best known for his career with the Washington Redskins and being a two-time Super Bowl champion.
Fictional characters named Darrell
Darrell Rivers is a fictional character from the book series Malory Towers by Enid Blyton. She is a determined and spirited girl who navigates the challenges of boarding school life.
Sibling Suggestions
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Darrell was first seen in the United States in 1886. Darrell has ranked as high as #189 nationally, which occurred in 1958, and has been most popular in California, Illinois, Ohio, Kentucky, and Missouri. In the past 5 years the name Darrell has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Darrell (2024)
State | Births | Share |
---|---|---|
TX | 18 | |
CA | 10 | |
FL | 9 | |
IL | 8 | |
IN | 6 | |
LA | 6 | |
NC | 6 | |
NY | 6 | |
GA | 5 | |
MI | 5 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
Year | Births |
---|---|
1886 | 5 |
1890 | 5 |
1891 | 6 |
1893 | 5 |
1894 | 5 |
1895 | 5 |
1896 | 6 |
1897 | 10 |
1898 | 14 |
1899 | 8 |
1900 | 9 |
1901 | 7 |
1902 | 11 |
1903 | 8 |
1904 | 9 |
1905 | 11 |
1906 | 14 |
1907 | 23 |
1908 | 18 |
1909 | 15 |
1910 | 29 |
1911 | 38 |
1912 | 94 |
1913 | 116 |
1914 | 130 |
1915 | 231 |
1916 | 222 |
1917 | 241 |
1918 | 250 |
1919 | 291 |
1920 | 359 |
1921 | 370 |
1922 | 379 |
1923 | 462 |
1924 | 509 |
1925 | 523 |
1926 | 578 |
1927 | 603 |
1928 | 647 |
1929 | 698 |
1930 | 828 |
1931 | 834 |
1932 | 992 |
1933 | 1,026 |
1934 | 1,129 |
1935 | 1,152 |
1936 | 1,208 |
1937 | 1,260 |
1938 | 1,356 |
1939 | 1,340 |
1940 | 1,430 |
1941 | 1,530 |
1942 | 1,591 |
1943 | 1,529 |
1944 | 1,580 |
1945 | 1,522 |
1946 | 1,905 |
1947 | 2,285 |
1948 | 2,336 |
1949 | 2,518 |
1950 | 2,494 |
1951 | 2,745 |
1952 | 2,868 |
1953 | 3,149 |
1954 | 3,644 |
1955 | 3,902 |
1956 | 4,468 |
1957 | 4,571 |
1958 | 4,770 |
1959 | 4,647 |
1960 | 4,149 |
1961 | 4,202 |
1962 | 3,878 |
1963 | 4,094 |
1964 | 3,969 |
1965 | 3,890 |
1966 | 3,496 |
1967 | 3,652 |
1968 | 3,446 |
1969 | 3,248 |
1970 | 3,148 |
1971 | 2,814 |
1972 | 2,311 |
1973 | 1,978 |
1974 | 1,840 |
1975 | 1,672 |
1976 | 1,660 |
1977 | 1,655 |
1978 | 1,466 |
1979 | 1,528 |
1980 | 1,462 |
1981 | 1,361 |
1982 | 1,391 |
1983 | 1,332 |
1984 | 1,335 |
1985 | 1,324 |
1986 | 1,308 |
1987 | 1,232 |
1988 | 1,213 |
1989 | 1,207 |
1990 | 1,128 |
1991 | 1,020 |
1992 | 915 |
1993 | 876 |
1994 | 746 |
1995 | 628 |
1996 | 609 |
1997 | 556 |
1998 | 533 |
1999 | 545 |
2000 | 499 |
2001 | 453 |
2002 | 405 |
2003 | 400 |
2004 | 410 |
2005 | 405 |
2006 | 415 |
2007 | 416 |
2008 | 388 |
2009 | 317 |
2010 | 304 |
2011 | 338 |
2012 | 288 |
2013 | 286 |
2014 | 259 |
2015 | 226 |
2016 | 235 |
2017 | 240 |
2018 | 189 |
2019 | 169 |
2020 | 147 |
2021 | 130 |
2022 | 127 |
2023 | 110 |
2024 | 123 |