Wardell Boy
Origin(s)
PronunciationWAR-dell / ˈwɔːrdɛlEnglish; French
Meaning
English: watchman; French: from the ward
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Wardell has its roots in Old English, deriving from the elements "weard," meaning "guard" or "warden," and "hyll," meaning "hill." This combination suggests a literal meaning of "guardian of the hill." The name evolved through various forms, with early instances appearing in medieval England, where it was used as a surname before transitioning into a given name. The Old English language, prevalent from the 5th to the 11th centuries, laid the groundwork for many modern English names, including Wardell.
Historically, the name Wardell can be traced back to the Anglo-Saxon period, where surnames often indicated a person's occupation or geographical origin. By the 12th century, surnames became hereditary, and Wardell likely began to be used as a family name in England. The name may have been borne by notable figures in local history, although specific records are scarce. The use of Wardell as a first name became more common in later centuries, particularly in the 19th century, as naming conventions evolved and families sought to honor ancestral surnames.
Culturally, the name Wardell carries connotations of protection and strength, reflective of its etymological roots. The association with guardianship may have contributed to its endurance as a name, appealing to families who valued these qualities. While diminutive forms such as Ward may exist, the name Wardell itself has maintained a distinct identity. Overall, the historical and linguistic journey of Wardell illustrates the interplay between language, culture, and identity in the evolution of personal names.
Trend Summary
Wardell has remained a relatively rare name in the United States.
Similar Names
Variants
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International Variants
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Famous people named Wardell
Wardell Gray was a jazz saxophonist best known for his work with the Benny Goodman Orchestra, his recordings with the Jay McShann Orchestra, and his influential improvisational style.
Wardell Stephen Curry II, known as Stephen Curry, is a professional basketball player best known for his time with the Golden State Warriors, winning multiple NBA championships and revolutionizing the game with his shooting ability.
Fictional characters named Wardell
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Sibling Suggestions
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Wardell was first seen in the United States in 1896. Wardell has ranked as high as #921 nationally, which occurred in 1950, and has been most popular in Mississippi, Louisiana, South Carolina, Illinois, and Arkansas. In the past 5 years the name Wardell has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Wardell (1988)
State | Births | Share |
---|---|---|
IL | 7 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
Year | Births |
---|---|
1896 | 7 |
1900 | 6 |
1902 | 9 |
1904 | 9 |
1907 | 5 |
1908 | 7 |
1909 | 15 |
1910 | 11 |
1911 | 11 |
1912 | 20 |
1913 | 22 |
1914 | 18 |
1915 | 33 |
1916 | 40 |
1917 | 40 |
1918 | 51 |
1919 | 51 |
1920 | 50 |
1921 | 52 |
1922 | 53 |
1923 | 48 |
1924 | 56 |
1925 | 55 |
1926 | 54 |
1927 | 62 |
1928 | 59 |
1929 | 60 |
1930 | 44 |
1931 | 43 |
1932 | 64 |
1933 | 60 |
1934 | 70 |
1935 | 71 |
1936 | 49 |
1937 | 52 |
1938 | 41 |
1939 | 51 |
1940 | 61 |
1941 | 64 |
1942 | 66 |
1943 | 65 |
1944 | 61 |
1945 | 66 |
1946 | 63 |
1947 | 66 |
1948 | 80 |
1949 | 84 |
1950 | 87 |
1951 | 75 |
1952 | 84 |
1953 | 68 |
1954 | 71 |
1955 | 82 |
1956 | 86 |
1957 | 67 |
1958 | 80 |
1959 | 79 |
1960 | 71 |
1961 | 57 |
1962 | 64 |
1963 | 50 |
1964 | 48 |
1965 | 47 |
1966 | 42 |
1967 | 34 |
1968 | 46 |
1969 | 37 |
1970 | 36 |
1971 | 38 |
1972 | 47 |
1973 | 35 |
1974 | 39 |
1975 | 38 |
1976 | 36 |
1977 | 28 |
1978 | 30 |
1979 | 28 |
1980 | 27 |
1981 | 22 |
1982 | 28 |
1983 | 28 |
1984 | 16 |
1985 | 23 |
1986 | 41 |
1987 | 21 |
1988 | 30 |
1989 | 22 |
1990 | 23 |
1991 | 14 |
1992 | 19 |
1993 | 13 |
1994 | 16 |
1995 | 12 |
1996 | 9 |
1997 | 14 |
1998 | 6 |
1999 | 9 |
2000 | 10 |
2001 | 10 |
2002 | 6 |
2003 | 8 |
2004 | 12 |
2005 | 5 |
2006 | 14 |
2007 | 6 |
2008 | 6 |
2009 | 12 |
2010 | 10 |
2011 | 5 |
2012 | 8 |
2013 | 7 |
2015 | 6 |
2016 | 6 |
2019 | 6 |
2020 | 5 |