Find out how popular the first name Dorrell has been for the last 44 years (from 1975 to 2018) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Dorrell by gender

Based on the last 44 years of data, Dorrell is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2018, there were 7 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Dorrell.

The history of the first name Dorrell

The name Dorrell is believed to have originated from the Old English language, with roots tracing back to the Anglo-Saxon period in Britain, which lasted from the 5th to the 11th century. It is thought to be a variant or diminutive form of the name Dorian, which itself is derived from the Latin name Dorius, meaning "of the Dorian people."

The Dorians were one of the major ethnic groups of ancient Greece, known for their contributions to architecture, literature, and the establishment of several city-states, including Sparta. The name Dorius was likely adopted by the Romans from the Greek word "Dōrios," referring to the Dorian tribe.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Dorrell can be found in the Domesday Book, a manuscript record of land ownership and taxation in England, commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. In this historical document, the name appears as "Dorrel," likely referring to an individual of Anglo-Saxon or Norman descent.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Dorrell. One such figure was Dorrell Wright (1874-1944), an American educator and administrator who served as the 10th president of Wilberforce University, one of the oldest private historically black universities in the United States.

Another prominent Dorrell was Sir Dorrell Handfield (1829-1892), a British architect and surveyor who designed several notable buildings in London, including the Royal College of Surgeons and the Royal Albert Hall.

In the world of sports, Dorrell Wright (born 1986) is a former professional basketball player who played in the NBA for several teams, including the Miami Heat and the Portland Trail Blazers.

Sir Dorrell Barnes (1914-1997) was a British diplomat and civil servant who served as the Governor of the Bahamas from 1967 to 1973, playing a crucial role in the country's transition to independence.

Finally, Dorrell McGowan (1932-2014) was a Canadian educator and politician who served as a member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, representing the riding of Windsor-Walkerville from 1975 to 1987.

While the name Dorrell may not be as common today as it once was, its historical significance and enduring presence in various fields serve as a testament to its rich heritage and enduring legacy.

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 Dorrell was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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