All about the name

Tarrell

Male

« Tarrell is a distinctive unisex name of African American origin, coined by playwright August Wilson for his 1992 play "Two Trains Running." While its explicit meaning is undefined, some associate it with the African name Tarik, signifying 'crown' or 'throne.' Although uncommon among African Americans, Tarrell has gained recent popularity as a unisex name. It's notable in popular culture through figures like NFL player Tarrell Jeter and basketball player Tarrell Martin. Despite its unconventional roots, Tarrell stands out as an appealing choice for parents seeking a distinctive name. »

#12460 over 5 years

Meaning, origin, history

Tarrell is a unique and distinctive name of African American origin. It is believed to have been created by the author and playwright August Wilson for one of his characters in his play "Two Trains Running," which premiered in 1992. The meaning behind the name Tarrell is not explicitly defined, as it was invented by Wilson for his character. However, some people associate the name with the African name Tarik, which means "crown" or "throne." This connection may imply that Tarrell signifies royalty, dignity, or leadership. Despite its African American origin and potential African roots, Tarrell is not particularly common among African American names. Instead, it has gained popularity as a unisex name in recent years, used for both boys and girls. The name Tarrell does not appear to have any significant historical figures associated with it, as it was only recently created by August Wilson. However, the character Tarrell in "Two Trains Running" plays an important role in the play's exploration of African American life during the Civil Rights Movement. In popular culture, the name Tarrell has been used sparingly but notably. It is the given name of Tarrell Jeter, a former NFL player who played for several teams throughout his career. Additionally, Tarrell Martin is a professional basketball player who was drafted by the Seattle SuperSonics in 1998. Overall, Tarrell is an uncommon yet striking name with potential African roots and an intriguing literary origin. Its meaning may be open to interpretation, but its uniqueness makes it an appealing choice for those seeking a distinctive name for their child.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Tarrell since 1880

Total births
783
Total since 1880
Peak year
1987
35 births
in 2022
5
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
+53%
vs previous 5 years