Meaning, origin, history
Darnell is a name of African American origin, derived from the old English personal name "Dernulf," which was formed by combining the elements "deor" meaning "spear" and "nulaf" meaning "of nobility." The name Dernulf was popular among the Saxons and is thought to have been brought to England by Viking settlers. Over time, the name evolved phonetically and eventually became Darnell.
The name Darnell has a rich history and can be found in various forms throughout medieval English records. It was often used as a given name but also appeared as a surname. Some notable figures with the name include American football player Darrelle Revis, musician Darryl "Darnell" McDaniels of the rap group Run-D.M.C., and actor Darnell Williams from the soap opera All My Children.
In recent years, Darnell has gained popularity as a given name for boys in English-speaking countries. According to data from the Social Security Administration in the United States, the name reached its peak popularity in the 1970s and 1980s but has since declined somewhat. Despite this, it remains a distinctive and historically significant choice for parents naming their sons.
In summary, Darnell is an African American name with old English origins that has evolved over centuries to become a unique and recognizable given name for boys. Its history and meaning make it a powerful and meaningful choice for parents looking for a memorable name for their child.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Darnell since 1880
Total births
2,387
Total since 1880
Peak year
1951
71 births
in 2017
5
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
-100%
↘
vs previous 5 years