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

Popularity of Farrell by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Farrell is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 81% of people named Farrell being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 6 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Farrell.

The history of the first name Farrell

The name Farrell has its origins in the Irish Gaelic language and culture. It is believed to have derived from the old Irish word "ferghail," which means "man of valor" or "courageous man." The name can be traced back to the early medieval period in Ireland, around the 5th or 6th century AD.

One of the earliest known historical figures to bear the name Farrell was an Irish chieftain named Farrell O'Reilly, who lived in the 14th century. He was a prominent leader of the O'Reilly clan in County Cavan, Ireland, and played a significant role in the struggles against English rule during that time.

In the 16th century, a poet and musician named Farrell O'Gara gained recognition for his work in preserving and promoting traditional Irish poetry and music. He was born around 1520 in County Sligo and is considered one of the last great bards of the Gaelic literary tradition.

Another notable figure with the name Farrell was Farrell O'Donnell, an Irish rebel leader who lived in the late 16th and early 17th centuries. He fought against English colonization in Ulster and led several uprisings against English forces in the early 1600s.

In the 18th century, Farrell O'Gorman was an Irish politician and member of the Irish House of Commons. He was born in 1714 and played a significant role in advocating for Catholic rights and political reforms in Ireland during his time.

Moving to the 20th century, Farrell Edmunds was an American football player and coach. He was born in 1907 and played as a quarterback for the University of Southern California in the late 1920s. He later went on to coach several college teams and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1962.

These are just a few examples of notable individuals throughout history who bore the name Farrell, showcasing its rich heritage and cultural significance, particularly within the Irish tradition.

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

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

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