The name Randel is of Germanic origin, derived from the Old High German name "Randolf" or "Randwulf," which means "rim wolf" or "shield wolf." It is a compound name formed from the words "rand" (meaning "rim" or "shield") and "wulf" (meaning "wolf").

The name first appeared in the early Middle Ages, around the 6th to 8th centuries, and was commonly used among the Germanic tribes that settled in various parts of Europe. It gained popularity during the Frankish period and was widely used by nobility and commoners alike.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Randel can be found in the Codex Diplomaticus Saxoniae Regiae, a collection of medieval documents from the Kingdom of Saxony, where a certain "Randel von Meissen" is mentioned in the year 1174.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Randel. One of the most famous was Randel de Gernon (c. 1050 - c. 1120), a Norman nobleman who fought alongside William the Conqueror during the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. He was later granted extensive lands in Lincolnshire and Yorkshire.

Another prominent figure was Randel Holme (1601 - 1659), an English genealogist and heraldic writer who authored the famous work "The Academy of Armory." His work is considered a valuable resource for understanding the history and symbolism of heraldry in England.

In the realm of art, Randel Coates (1892 - 1962) was an American painter known for his landscape and still-life paintings. He was a member of the National Academy of Design and his works are held in several prestigious collections, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

Randel Everett Gallion (1918 - 2000) was an American academic and civil rights activist who played a significant role in desegregating higher education in the United States. He served as the first African American president of Alabama State University from 1962 to 1983.

Randel Sheppard (1882 - 1967) was an American lawyer and jurist who served as a judge on the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio. He made important contributions to the field of labor law and was known for his fair and impartial rulings.