Narelle is a unique and captivating female given name of Australian origin. It was created by the renowned Australian author, Thomas Keneally, for his 1985 novel "A Family Madness." In the story, Narelle is the central character's younger sister, who is intelligent, independent, and fiercely determined.
The name Narelle itself does not have a specific meaning or derivation from any known language. Instead, Keneally crafted it to be distinctively Australian and reflective of his country's culture and heritage. The name has since gained popularity in Australia and beyond, with many parents drawn to its uniqueness and the positive attributes associated with the character Narelle in Keneally's novel.
Despite being relatively new compared to other names, Narelle has become an enduring choice for families who appreciate its Australian roots and distinctive sound. It is often spelled Narrelle or Narell, but the original spelling is Narelle.
In the United States, the name Narelle has seen some fluctuations in popularity over time. In the year 1987, there were 6 babies named Narelle. The peak of popularity for this name occurred in the year 2006 with a total of 9 newborn girls being given the name Narelle. Although it did not reach its highest point again in subsequent years, the name remained relatively popular with 8 births recorded in 2008 and 5 births in 2018.
Overall, between 1987 and 2018, there have been a total of 28 babies named Narelle born in the United States. Despite not being among the most common names during this period, it is clear that the name Narelle has maintained a consistent presence within American naming traditions for over three decades.