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Wardell Boy

Popularity: · Trend: → Stable

Origin(s)

PronunciationWAR-dell / ˈwɔːrdɛl

English; 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

International Variants

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

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)

StateBirthsShare
IL 7
100%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
18967
19006
19029
19049
19075
19087
190915
191011
191111
191220
191322
191418
191533
191640
191740
191851
191951
192050
192152
192253
192348
192456
192555
192654
192762
192859
192960
193044
193143
193264
193360
193470
193571
193649
193752
193841
193951
194061
194164
194266
194365
194461
194566
194663
194766
194880
194984
195087
195175
195284
195368
195471
195582
195686
195767
195880
195979
196071
196157
196264
196350
196448
196547
196642
196734
196846
196937
197036
197138
197247
197335
197439
197538
197636
197728
197830
197928
198027
198122
198228
198328
198416
198523
198641
198721
198830
198922
199023
199114
199219
199313
199416
199512
19969
199714
19986
19999
200010
200110
20026
20038
200412
20055
200614
20076
20086
200912
201010
20115
20128
20137
20156
20166
20196
20205