The name Durrell is believed to have originated from the Old French word "durail," which means "small house" or "hut." This name can be traced back to the 12th century in the regions of northern France and southern England. It is thought to have evolved from the Latin word "durus," meaning "hard" or "enduring."

In medieval times, the name Durrell was often used as a surname to identify people who lived in small, sturdy dwellings or those who worked as builders or masons. The earliest recorded use of the name Durrell as a first name dates back to the 13th century, when it was given to a son of a French nobleman.

One of the earliest notable individuals with the name Durrell was Durrell de Moncy, a French knight who fought in the Hundred Years' War during the 14th century. Another notable figure was Durrell de Verneuil, a 15th century French poet and playwright who wrote several works satirizing the nobility.

In the 16th century, Durrell Browne was an English merchant and explorer who traveled to the Americas and documented his experiences in a book titled "A New World Discovered." During the same period, Durrell Cromwell was a soldier and cousin of Oliver Cromwell, the famous English military and political leader.

In more recent history, Durrell Gerald, an English author and naturalist, was born in 1912 and is best known for his books on wildlife and conservation, particularly his work on the island of Mauritius. His brother, Lawrence Durrell, was also a celebrated novelist and poet, born in 1912 and known for works such as "The Alexandria Quartet."

Another notable individual with the name Durrell was Durrell Bishop, an American jazz musician and composer who lived from 1919 to 1994. He was a prominent figure in the West Coast jazz scene and collaborated with artists like Chet Baker and Gerry Mulligan.