The name Durell is a variant of the French surname Durel, which itself is derived from the Old French word "duret", meaning "a little tough" or "a little hard". This suggests that the name may have originally been a nickname given to someone with a tough or resilient personality.

The earliest known use of the name Durell dates back to the 12th century in Normandy, France, where it was used as a surname. It is believed to have emerged as a given name in the 16th or 17th century, likely among French Huguenot families who fled religious persecution and settled in other parts of Europe and America.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the given name Durell was Durell Smythe (1590-1668), an English clergyman and academic who served as the Principal of Hertford College, Oxford. Another notable figure was Durell Arnaud (1677-1744), a French Protestant minister and theologian who fled to England during the persecution of Huguenots.

In the 18th century, Durell Annesley (1732-1805) was a British Army officer who served in the American Revolutionary War. He is best known for his role in the capture of Fort Ticonderoga in 1775.

The name gained some prominence in the 19th century with individuals like Durell Merriweather (1812-1889), an American politician and lawyer who served as a member of the Virginia House of Delegates. Another notable figure was Durell Heath (1853-1928), an American artist and illustrator known for his landscape paintings and illustrations for books and magazines.

In more recent times, Durell Pearson (1920-2007) was a British actor and director who appeared in numerous television shows and films throughout the 20th century. He is perhaps best known for his role as Mr. Loxley in the classic British comedy series "Are You Being Served?".

These are just a few examples of individuals who have borne the given name Durell throughout history, showcasing its enduring use and varied cultural backgrounds.