All about the name

Sorrel

Female

« Sorrel is an English given name derived from 'sorrel', meaning reddish-brown, with historical references in medieval literature. »

#10549 last year

Meaning, origin, history

Sorrel is a unique and distinctive given name of English origin. It is derived from the Middle English word "soryol" or "sorrel," which refers to a reddish-brown color similar to that of the sorrel horse, a breed of horse known for its chestnut coat with flaxen mane and tail. The name Sorrel has a long history in English literature and culture. It was used as a surname in medieval England, and there are several references to it in works by Shakespeare, including "The Merry Wives of Windsor" and "Henry IV." In the latter play, the character Mistress Quickly addresses Sir John Falstaff as "thou art so fat, thou art clean out of sorrow and into sorrel." Despite its literary pedigree, Sorrel is not a particularly common given name. It has never been among the top 1000 names for girls or boys in the United States, although it has occasionally appeared on social security administration lists in recent years. This rarity contributes to its unique and striking quality. In summary, Sorrel is an English name of medieval origin that refers to a reddish-brown color. It has a rich literary history but remains relatively uncommon as a given name. Those who bear this distinctive name are likely to stand out from the crowd due to its uniqueness and timeless appeal.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Sorrel since 1880

Total births
96
Total since 1880
Peak year
2023
9 births
in 2023
9
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
-26%
vs previous 5 years