The name Jerel is a modern English variant of the Hebrew name Jeruel, which is derived from the elements "yare" meaning "to throw, to shoot" and "El" referring to God. The name traces its origins back to ancient Israelite and Jewish culture, with the earliest known use dating back to the 6th century BCE.

In the Apocryphal Book of Enoch, an ancient Jewish text from the 3rd century BCE, there is a reference to the archangel Jeruel. This celestial being is described as one of the chief archangels and is associated with the divine guidance and protection of humanity.

The first recorded use of the name Jerel can be found in medieval English records from the 13th century. During this time, it was likely a variant spelling of the more common name Jeruel, which was influenced by the Norman French language and culture.

One of the earliest notable individuals with the name Jerel was Jerel of Canterbury, an English monk and scribe who lived in the late 12th century. He is known for his contributions to the preservation of ancient manuscripts and his work in the Canterbury Cathedral scriptorium.

In the 16th century, Jerel Haggard was a prominent English merchant and trader who established trade routes between England and the Ottoman Empire. His successful business ventures contributed to the economic prosperity of his time.

During the 17th century, Jerel Mormont was a French military officer and diplomat. He served as a colonel in the French army and later became a respected envoy, representing France in various diplomatic missions across Europe.

In the 19th century, Jerel Whitfield was an American abolitionist and social reformer. He was actively involved in the Underground Railroad, helping enslaved people escape to freedom, and advocating for the abolition of slavery in the United States.

Another notable figure with the name Jerel is Jerel Ezell, an American artist and sculptor from the 20th century. His works, often inspired by nature and the human form, were celebrated for their intricate details and artistic expressions.