All about the name
Tarnell
Male
« Tarnell is a unique African American given name, believed to have emerged in the late 20th century as an alternative to traditional names. Its origin and meaning are unclear, but it's thought to be a blend of Terrell and Arnold, potentially meaning "strong eagle" or "eagle power". Despite its unknown beginnings, Tarnell has become an established name since gaining attention in the late 1980s, ranking among the top 1,000 boys' names in the U.S. today. »
#36909
since 1900
Meaning, origin, history
Tarnell is a unique and distinctive given name of African American origin. It is believed to have emerged during the late 20th century, gaining popularity in the United States as an alternative to more traditional names.
The meaning behind Tarnell remains unclear, as it does not appear to be derived from any known word or language. However, some people believe that Tarnell may be a blend of two popular African American names: Terrell andernel (a variant spelling of Arnold). If this is the case, Tarnell could potentially mean "strong eagle" or "eagle power," reflecting the meanings of its potential component parts.
Despite its unknown origins and meaning, Tarnell has become an established name in its own right. It first gained significant attention in the late 1980s and early 1990s when it began appearing more frequently in the Social Security Administration's baby name data for the United States. Since then, Tarnell has consistently ranked among the top 1,000 most popular boys' names in the U.S., with its peak popularity occurring in the late 1990s.
Today, Tarnell is still a relatively uncommon name but continues to be chosen by parents who appreciate its uniqueness and distinctive sound. While its exact origins and meaning may remain uncertain, Tarnell stands as a testament to the creativity and individuality found within African American naming traditions.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Tarnell since 1880
Total births
6
Total since 1880
Peak year
1977
6 births
in 1977
6
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
→
vs previous 5 years