Find out how popular the first name Darrel has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Darrel by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Darrel is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 100% of people named Darrel being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 18 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Darrel.

The history of the first name Darrel

The name Darrel is of Anglo-Saxon origin and derives from the Old English words "deor" meaning beloved or dear, and "ræl" meaning counsellor or adviser. It emerged in the medieval period, specifically during the 12th century, as a diminutive form of the name Darrell.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Darrel can be found in the Domesday Book of 1086, where a landowner named Darrell is mentioned. This suggests that the name was in use among the Anglo-Saxon nobility before the Norman Conquest of England in 1066.

In the 13th century, a Darrel de Windesore was recorded as a knight and landowner in Berkshire, England. This indicates that the name was associated with the aristocracy and gentry during the Middle Ages.

During the Renaissance period, Darrel Glemham was a notable English landowner and Member of Parliament who lived from 1508 to 1589. He played a role in the political and religious turmoil of the 16th century, supporting the Protestant Reformation.

In the 17th century, Darrel Donne was a prominent English clergyman and author who lived from 1587 to 1637. He wrote several religious works and served as a chaplain to King James I.

Another notable bearer of the name was Darrel Wilkinson, a British naval officer who lived from 1719 to 1776. He served in the Royal Navy during the Seven Years' War and the American Revolutionary War, earning the rank of Rear Admiral.

Moving into more recent history, Darrel Porter was an American professional baseball player who lived from 1952 to 2002. He played as a catcher in Major League Baseball and was part of the Kansas City Royals team that won the World Series in 1985.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Darrel was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Darrel, please contact us.

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