The name Pernell is a variant spelling of the French name Pernelle, which is a feminine form of the name Petronilla. The name Petronilla is derived from the Latin name Petronia, which comes from the Roman family name Petronius. Petronius is thought to have been derived from the Latin word "petra" meaning "rock" or "stone".

Pernell has its origins in medieval France, and it was a relatively common name among French women during the Middle Ages. The name is believed to have been introduced to England by French settlers in the 11th century, following the Norman Conquest of 1066.

One of the earliest recorded uses of the name Pernell can be found in the 12th-century English chronicle "The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle". The chronicle mentions a woman named Pernell, who was the wife of a Norman nobleman named Ralph de Gaugy.

In the 13th century, there was a famous French mystic and religious writer named Pernelle de Rupelmonde, also known as Pernelle of Rupelmonde. She was born around 1200 and is known for her writings on spirituality and mysticism.

Another notable historical figure with the name Pernell was Pernell Whetcombe, an English Benedictine nun who lived in the 15th century. She was the prioress of the Benedictine convent at Romsey in Hampshire, England, and is known for her writings on religious subjects.

In the 16th century, there was a French poet and playwright named Pernette du Guillet (1520-1545). She is best known for her collection of poems entitled "Rymes", which was published in 1545.

Pernell Stout (1788-1867) was an American farmer and politician who served as a member of the Virginia House of Delegates in the early 19th century.

While Pernell has been a relatively uncommon name in modern times, it has a rich history and has been borne by several notable figures throughout the centuries.