The name Markell is believed to have originated from the German language, and it is thought to have been derived from the Old German name Marcellus, which itself is a diminutive form of the Roman name Marcus. Marcus was a common name among the ancient Romans, and it is believed to have been derived from the word "mars," which was the name of the Roman god of war.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Markell can be found in the writings of the Roman historian Tacitus, who lived in the first century AD. Tacitus mentions a man named Marcellus who was a prominent figure in the Roman Empire during the reign of Emperor Nero.

Another notable individual with the name Markell was Saint Marcellus, who was the Pope from 308 to 309 AD. He is revered as a martyr in the Catholic Church, and his feast day is celebrated on January 16th.

In the Middle Ages, the name Markell was relatively common in parts of Europe, particularly in Germany and the surrounding regions. One notable figure from this period was Markell von Eberstein, a German knight who fought in the Crusades during the 12th century.

During the Renaissance period, the name Markell was also popular in parts of Italy. One notable individual from this time was Marcello Malpighi, an Italian biologist and physician who lived from 1628 to 1694. He is famous for his pioneering work in the field of anatomy and is considered one of the founders of modern microscopic anatomy.

In more recent history, there have been several notable individuals with the name Markell. One such person was Markell Shults, an American football player who played in the National Football League (NFL) during the 1990s. Another notable figure was Markell Brooks, an American actor who appeared in several films and television shows in the late 20th century.