The name Jerell is a variant of the more common name Jerrell, which has its origins rooted in the English and French languages. The name Jerrell is derived from the Old French name "Gerrold," which itself is a combination of the Germanic elements "ger" meaning "spear" and "wald" meaning "rule."

In the early Middle Ages, the name Gerrold was widely used among the Frankish nobility and aristocracy, particularly in regions that are now part of modern-day France and Germany. The name's popularity spread throughout Europe during the medieval period, with various spellings and variations emerging in different regions.

One of the earliest recorded mentions of the name Gerrold can be found in the Annals of Fulda, a historical chronicle written in the 9th century by the monks of the Benedictine monastery in Fulda, Germany. The annals reference a noble named Gerrold who was a participant in the Frankish civil wars of the early 9th century.

Throughout the centuries, several notable individuals have borne the name Jerell or its variations. One prominent figure was Jerrell Bowden (1891-1983), an American actor and vaudeville performer who starred in numerous Broadway productions and Hollywood films during the early 20th century.

Another notable bearer of the name was Jerrell Floyd (1933-2001), an American civil rights activist who played a significant role in the desegregation of public facilities in his hometown of Tallahassee, Florida, during the 1960s.

In the realm of sports, Jerell Blount (born 1991) is a former American football running back who played for several teams in the National Football League (NFL) between 2013 and 2019.

Additionally, Jerell Sellars (born 1988) is a contemporary American singer-songwriter and record producer who has worked with several popular artists in the hip-hop and R&B genres.

Lastly, Jerell Parker (1936-2018) was a renowned American jazz saxophonist and composer who performed with various jazz ensembles throughout his career, including the Duke Ellington Orchestra.