Darrell – Meaning and Origin
The name Darrell is of English origin, derived from the Old French “d’Airelle” which means “from Airelle”. Airelle was a place in Normandy, France. The name Darrell is also thought to be derived from an Old English personal name, Dærweald, which means “dear ruler”.
History of the Name
The name Darrell has been around since at least the 12th century when it was first recorded in England. It was popularized by the Normans who brought it to England after their conquest of 1066. The name became more popular during the Middle Ages and was used as a given name for both boys and girls. In the 19th century, it began to be used more commonly as a surname.
In the United States, the name Darrell gained popularity in the 1950s and 1960s due to its use in television shows such as The Andy Griffith Show and Leave It To Beaver. It has remained a popular choice for parents ever since.
Popularity
Darrell is currently ranked as the 545th most popular male baby name in the United States, according to data from the Social Security Administration. It is most popular among African American families, where it ranks as the 77th most popular male baby name.
The name Darrell is also popular in other countries such as Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and England. In Canada, it ranks as the 602nd most popular male baby name while in Australia it ranks as the 890th most popular male baby name.
Famous People Named Darrell
There are many famous people with the name Darrell including:
- Darrell Waltrip – NASCAR driver
- Darrell Hammond – comedian and actor
- Darrell Green – NFL Hall of Fame cornerback
- Darrell Issa – former U.S. Representative from California
- Darrell Royal – college football coach