MallowbyNames

Darnell

dar-NEL · Of uncertain origin; possibly a variant of Darnall, an English surname derived from a place name meaning 'hidden nook'.

2025 rank (boys)
#2,421
Babies named in 2025
56
Peak popularity
1984
2025 frequency
1 in 30,501 boys
Usually for
Boys
Trend
Declining since 1985

Declining since 1985, #2,421 for boys today.

Popularity of Darnell since 1912

Babies named Darnell per year in U.S. Social Security records.

247494741192019602000Most births 1984GirlsBoys
GirlsBoys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirlsBoys
1910s1563
1920s70197
1930s78294
1940s417633
1950s5882,969
1960s6003,689
1970s3444,828
1980s2066,294
1990s594,514
2000s02,878
2010s101,772
2020s0500

Meaning & origin

Darnell first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1912 and rose steadily in popularity throughout the 20th century, reaching its peak rank in 1984. Since 1985, however, its usage has been falling, and today it is a relatively uncommon choice. At its height, Darnell was especially favored in states like New Jersey, Ohio, and Texas. As a given name, it is strongly associated with African American naming traditions, likely due in part to the fame of actress Linda Darnell. The name carries a distinctive sound, blending the popular 'Dar-' prefix with the '-ell' ending seen in names like Darrell and Terrell.

Darnell likely originated as an English surname, most notably associated with the actress Linda Darnell. The surname Darnall is locational, from a place in Yorkshire, possibly meaning 'hidden nook' (from Old English 'dierne' meaning secret, and 'halh' meaning nook). As a given name, Darnell gained popularity in the United States during the mid-20th century, particularly among African American families.

Where Darnell is most popular

Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.

2020s
Fewermore per 100k boystoo few births

Darnell” around the world

Where Darnell lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.

  • France

    5

    babies in 2024

Sources: INSEE (France).

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Darn, D.J., Nell

Variants: Darnall, Darnel

Sibling names for Darnell

Names that share Darnell's style, for a brother or sister.

Sisters: Kendra, Nichelle, Yolanda, Monique, Tia, Jameka, Keisha, Lajuana, Lakeisha, Lakesha, Lanisha, Laquita, Lashanda, Lashonda, Latanya, Latasha, Latonya, Latosha, Latoya, Latrice, Lawanda, Markeisha, Shameka, Shanequa, Shanice, Shanika, Shante, Sharmaine, Sharonda, Shawana, Sheronda, Tameka, Tamekia, Tamesha, Tanesha, Danesha, Denisha, Deondra, Donisha, Jalissa, Jamesha, Janiece, Kalisha, Kanesha, Kanisha, Karisma, Kenyetta, Keshia, Kiesha, Lakeesha, Lakendra, Lakeshia, Lakia, Lakiesha, Lakisha, Lamonica, Laquisha, Laronda, Lashae, Lashaunda, Lashawnda, Lashay, Lashunda, Latarsha, Latesha, Latonia, Latoyia, Marquetta, Marquisha, Nakeisha, Nakisha, Natisha, Natosha, Rashelle, Rashonda, Rochell, Ronisha, Shalanda, Shalonda, Shamika, Shanae, Shanay, Shaneka, Shanel, Shanell, Shanelle, Shaniece, Shaniqua, Shanita, Shantae, Shantell, Shantelle, Shaquita, Shardae, Sharhonda, Shaunte, Shawanda, Shawanna, Shawnta, Shawnte, Shemeka, Shenika, Shenita, Sherika, Sherita, Syreeta, Tameika, Tamica, Tamisha, Taneisha, Taneka, Taneshia, Tarsha, Temeka, Tenesha, Tennille, Tiesha, Tomeka, Tomika, Tonisha, Towanda, Twanda, Twanna, Tyeisha, Tynisha, Yolonda, Aneisha, Antwanette, Artisha, Camesha, Camisha, Carletha, Carlisa, Carlisha, Chantae, Charde, Charlisa, Charnell, Charnelle, Daneisha, Darnella, Darnesha, Darnetta, Darnisha, Dashawna, Dawana, Dawanna, Deandria, Deangela, Delisha, Denesha, Denetra, Dericka, Derricka, Desha, Dewanna, Donesha, Donnisha, Donyale, Falicia, Ginelle, Jameisha, Jameshia, Johnisha, Jonique, Jonisha, Joyelle, Kamisha, Kaneisha, Kaneshia, Katasha, Katisha, Kawanna, Keneisha, Kyesha, Kysha, Lachandra, Lacresha, Lacrisha, Lafonda, Lakecia, Lakeitha, Laketa, Lakeya, Lakeysha, Lakishia, Lameka, Laneisha, Lanesha, Laniece, Laporsha, Laquana, Laquandra, Laquesha, Laquetta, Laquinta, Laquitta, Lashana, Lashandra, Lashanna, Lashanta, Lashauna, Lashaundra, Lashayla, Lashea, Lasheena, Lashell, Lashelle, Lashona, Lashondra, Lashonna, Lashundra, Lasondra, Lasonia, Lasonja, Latania, Latasia, Lateasha, Latecia, Lateshia, Latisa, Latonja, Latora, Latorya, Latrece, Latrecia, Latresa, Latresha, Lekesha, Lekeshia, Lekisha, Lequita, Letrice, Lorelle, Lowanda, Makesha, Makisha, Marchell, Mardelle, Markeeta, Markesha, Markeshia, Markisha, Marquesha, Marquitta, Marshay, Martisha, Melisha, Moesha, Monesha, Myeshia, Nachelle, Nakeia, Nakesha, Nakeshia, Nakeya, Nakya, Natoshia, Natoya, Nekia, Nekisha, Nikesha, Nyisha, Porcha, Porshia, Quanda, Quanita, Quinesha, Ranisha, Rashanda, Renesha, Roneisha, Ronesha, Ronita, Roshanda, Roshelle, Roshonda, Roshunda, Shadae, Shadonna, Shakeena, Shakela, Shakena, Shakima, Shakita, Shalana, Shalena, Shalise, Shameeka, Shameika, Shamekia, Shamyra, Shaneeka, Shaneika, Shanese, Shanetta, Shanette, Shanica, Shantavia, Shantee, Shantrell, Shaquanda, Shaquanna, Sharanda, Shareese, Shareka, Sharese, Shatavia, Shatoria, Shatoya, Shaunta, Shauntae, Shauntay, Shavonda, Shavone, Shavonna, Shawntay, Shawntel, Shawntell, Sheneka, Shenell, Shenelle, Shenequa, Shequita, Shereka, Sherena, Sherica, Sherrita, Shontae, Shontel, Shontell, Shunda, Syretta, Takeisha, Takeshia, Tameca, Tameeka, Tameshia, Tamicka, Tamieka, Tanasha, Tashana, Tashanna, Tashauna, Tashawna, Tashay, Tasheka, Tashika, Tashonda, Tatanisha, Teairra, Telisha, Teneisha, Teneka, Terica, Teshia, Timesha, Tinesha, Tinika, Tinisha, Toccara, Tomekia, Tonika, Towanna, Tresha, Tyronda, Tywana, Tywanda, Akeisha, Akisha, Arnesha, Bionca, Bonnell, Canisha, Carmesha, Chameka, Chaniqua, Chantia, Charmel, Charnele, Charnette, Charnise, Charnita, Charonda, Chaunte, Chenille, Chenise, Chenita, Chequita, Cherrell, Cornisha, Dalaysia, Dalisha, Damesha, Daniesha, Daniqua, Danitra, Danyale, Darneisha, Darnita, Darthy, Dawnetta, Demeka, Demesha, Demisha, Denecia, Denetria, Denishia, Dennisha, Deondria, Deshanna, Deshonda, Doneisha, Doneshia, Donnella, Dynesha, Jamella, Jamese, Janeece, Janeisha, Jaquisha, Javonda, Jawana, Jawanna, Johnesha, Jonesha, Kadedra, Kameisha, Kameka, Kamesha, Kameshia, Kaniesha, Kashawna, Katonya, Katrenia, Kawanda, Keandrea, Keauna, Keishia, Kenesha, Kenita, Kenyanna, Keshauna, Kewanna, Keyonia, Keyosha, Keyshia, Kimesha, Lachanda, Lacosta, Lacreshia, Ladawna, Ladonya, Lajoy, Lajoyce, Lakedra, Lakeia, Lakeita, Lakeithia, Lakenya, Laketha, Lakisa, Lakresha, Lakrisha, Lamika, Lanique, Laportia, Laquanna, Laresha, Lasaundra, Lashante, Lashawndra, Lasheka, Lashonta, Lasonya, Lataisha, Laterica, Laterra, Laterrica, Latice, Latiffany, Latoia, Latonda, Latoshia, Latravia, Latrease, Latrena, Latressa, Latrina, Latroya, Latunya, Latyra, Lavonya, Lekeisha, Lenisha, Letasha, Letesha, Litisha, Lotoya, Ltanya, Lynnelle, Markeita, Markiesha, Marlette, Marlisha, Marquisa, Marshayla, Meshia, Mikeisha, Mikesha, Nakeesha, Naketa, Nakiesha, Natesha, Natonya, Nechelle, Nekeisha, Nekesha, Nekita, Nikeisha, Nyeshia, Oneisha, Quaneisha, Quaneshia, Rakeisha, Raneisha, Rashaunda, Rashawna, Rashunda, Raynelle, Raynesha, Raynetta, Raynisha, Rayshell, Reneisha, Renell, Reshonda, Roshawnda, Sequita, Shacora, Shajuana, Shakeisha, Shakeitha, Shakema, Shaketa, Shakisha, Shalamar, Shalandra, Shaleena, Shameca, Shamecca, Shamieka, Shamone, Shamonica, Shandria, Shandrika, Shanece, Shanekia, Shanicka, Shanieka, Shanique, Shanitra, Shantele, Shantella, Shantina, Shanyce, Shaqueena, Shaquetta, Shaquitta, Shardai, Sharece, Shareena, Sharetta, Sharmayne, Sharnae, Sharnice, Sharnita, Sharonica, Shataya, Shatika, Shatonya, Shaunice, Shauntell, Shauntia, Shavona, Shawnetta, Shawnita, Shawntae, Shawntee, Shawntelle, Shawntia, Shekita, Shelonda, Shemeika, Shemekia, Shemica, Shemika, Shenee, Shenia, Shenice, Shenique, Sherea, Sherece, Shereese, Shericka, Sheritta, Shimeka, Shiquita, Shontelle, Taesha, Tajuana, Takila, Tamecia, Tameko, Tanaisha, Tanecia, Taneeka, Taneika, Tanesia, Tangelia, Taquana, Taquita, Tarnisha, Tashanda, Tashema, Tashena, Tekesha, Tenecia, Tenita, Tiajuana, Tikisha, Tineka, Tocarra, Tomeika, Tonique, Tonjia, Tranisha, Trenisha, Tyeesha, Tykeisha, Tymeka, Tymesha, Tynika, Tyshawna, Valisha, Vanesha, Venisha, Vernisha, Yolunda, Anelle, Charnetta, Dashauna, Deneka, Diesha, Donyel, Kasheena, Katesha, Kiosha, Lakeyia, Lameisha, Laneka, Latesa, Latoyna, Latreece, Letonya, Markeda, Nakima, Petrice, Rakisha, Rodneisha, Roniesha, Shanetra, Shannette, Shatasha, Shaterica, Shawnese, Shawniece, Sherrika, Takiesha, Tasheba, Tashona, Tondalaya, Aneshia, Antanisha, Antwonette, Arneisha, Arneshia, Artesha, Ashonte, Beonka, Cameshia, Canesha, Caprisha, Carlicia, Carnesha, Carnetta, Chakita, Chalonda, Chandell, Chaniece, Chantee, Chardai, Charell, Charmeka, Chekesha, Cheronda, Chrishonda, Contrina, Cornesha, Cosandra, Damisha, Darleth, Darneshia, Darnise, Dashonda, Dazhane, Deniqua, Deshanda, Deshara, Deshonna, Doniesha, Donyetta, Falesha, Felesha, Franchelle, Jachelle, Jahnessa, Jakeisha, Jalesha, Jameeka, Janaysia, Janeka, Janequa, Jaquanda, Jaquanna, Jatoya, Jaynell, Jerlisa, Jermanie, Jermeka, Jermesha, Jimeka, Johneisha, Johnika, Joneisha, Juwana, Kadeshia, Kajuana, Karletta, Karlisha, Kashonda, Katrese, Kechia, Kenyette, Keshara, Keshonda, Keshonna, Kewanda, Keyasha, Kimyatta, Kimyetta, Kinesha, Kinisha, Kyeshia, Kyiesha, Labresha, Labrittany, Lachele, Lachrisha, Lacreasha, Ladaysha, Lakaisha, Lakasha, Lakeeta, Lakeidra, Lakeisa, Lakeishia, Lakesa, Lakethia, Laketia, Laketta, Lakeva, Lakeyshia, Lakysha, Lanecia, Laneshia, Lanett, Laparis, Laporcha, Laporscha, Laqueena, Laqueisha, Laqueshia, Laquida, Laquinda, Lasasha, Lashan, Lashane, Lasharon, Lasheika, Lashika, Latacha, Latanga, Latangela, Latanja, Latayna, Lataysha, Lateia, Lateka, Laticha, Latiesha, Latish, Latoiya, Latondra, Latonga, Latorria, Latoy, Latriece, Latrisa, Latrise, Latysha, Lawonda, Laytoya, Lechelle, Lekita, Lequisha, Leshea, Leshonda, Lynisha, Manessa, Mariesha, Marnisha, Marquasha, Mashonda, Mekisha, Meshawn, Mieshia, Mikisha, Nakeysha, Nakkia, Naquisha, Nashayla, Nekeshia, Nieshia, Nikeshia, Niquita, Nyaisha, Onesha, Otisha, Philisha, Phylisha, Porchea, Porschea, Quanika, Quantina, Quatisha, Quinetta, Racquelle, Rainelle, Rakesha, Ralonda, Ranetta, Rashauna, Rashawnda, Rashea, Rasheka, Rayneisha, Reeshemah, Reneka, Rickesha, Ricquel, Rodnesha, Roneka, Ronniesha, Ronnisha, Roshaunda, Sameka, Shadana, Shadasia, Shadawn, Shakea, Shakedra, Shakeeta, Shakeita, Shakesha, Shakevia, Shalandria, Shalawn, Shaleta, Shaletha, Shalice, Shalondra, Shalunda, Shamecka, Shamela, Shamera, Shametra, Shamicka, Shandale, Shaneequa, Shaneque, Shanera, Shanetha, Shanikka, Shanikqua, Shaniquia, Shanquita, Shantaya, Shantice, Shantil, Shaquandra, Shaquayla, Shaquela, Shaquera, Shaquia, Shaquina, Shaquisha, Sharesa, Sharetha, Sharica, Sharicka, Sharnay, Sharnell, Sharnetta, Sharniece, Sharnise, Sharronda, Shaterra, Shaterrica, Shatisha, Shatyra, Shauntee, Shavell, Shavelle, Shavette, Shawndrea, Shawnika, Shawonda, Shelanda, Sheletha, Shenea, Shenetta, Shenica, Shequila, Sherhonda, Shermeka, Shermika, Shernita, Sheronica, Sherrelle, Shevelle, Shewanda, Shineka, Shinika, Shinita, Shlonda, Sholonda, Shondrea, Shonika, Shonita, Shontia, Shuntae, Shunte, Shuntel, Shwanda, Synethia, Tahesha, Taiwana, Takeesha, Takeira, Takelia, Takeysha, Takoya, Taleshia, Talonda, Tameaka, Tamecka, Tamikka, Tamyka, Tanekia, Tanicka, Tanieka, Tanikka, Taniqua, Tanique, Tanishia, Taquila, Taquisha, Tarisha, Tarnesha, Tarshia, Tasheena, Tasheika, Tashica, Tawania, Tekeisha, Tekela, Tekeshia, Telesha, Temesha, Temisha, Teniqua, Teonia, Teresha, Tiawana, Tikesha, Timisha, Tishara, Tjuana, Toiya, Tomeca, Tomeko, Tomicka, Toneisha, Toniesha, Toniqua, Tonjua, Trameka, Tremeka, Trenice, Trenika, Tujuana, Tuwana, Tuwanda, Tuwanna, Tyechia, Tyhesha, Tykisha, Tylisa, Tymika, Tynetta, Tyniesha, Tyrhonda, Tyronica, Tysheka, Vernesha, Vonzella

Brothers: Darius, Terrence, Malik, Quinton, Dwayne, Daquan, Demarcus, Derrell, Jamel, Jermaine, Jerrell, Keshawn, Lashawn, Rashawn, Terell, Terrance, Terrell, Tyrell, Antwaun, Antwone, Arnell, Carnell, Damario, Deanthony, Demetrice, Deondre, Dequan, Detrick, Donelle, Dontay, Jamaine, Jamarr, Jamichael, Jarell, Javaris, Javontae, Javonte, Jayquan, Jayshawn, Jerel, Jerell, Jermel, Kadeem, Keshon, Lajuan, Lashaun, Lashon, Latrell, Lavar, Lydell, Markeith, Marquell, Marshawn, Ramel, Rashaud, Rondell, Ronnell, Roshawn, Shaquan, Shedrick, Tramaine, Tremaine, Tremayne, Andrell, Antawn, Antjuan, Antwane, Antwann, Antwuan, Chaun, Claudell, Darnel, Darnelle, Darriel, Darrious, Dawan, Decarlos, Dejohn, Demarquis, Demetrick, Deontay, Diandre, Donnelle, Donzell, Drequan, Dreshawn, Jarmaine, Javell, Javonne, Jermal, Jermane, Jermayne, Jermell, Jermichael, Jorell, Katrell, Kenard, Kendrell, Laderrick, Lakeith, Lakendrick, Lamario, Larell, Larnell, Lasean, Lashun, Latrelle, Latroy, Lenell, Londell, Lonnell, Lonzell, Markese, Marquice, Marquies, Marsean, Marshaun, Martrell, Montrel, Quantez, Quashawn, Raeshawn, Rahmel, Ramell, Rondale, Shamel, Shawndell, Shondell, Tajuan, Tarell, Tarrell, Tequan, Termaine, Tirrell, Torrell, Tramell, Travaris, Trenell, Tyheem, Tyrome, Tyronne, Vashon, Antawan, Antwain, Antwoin, Antwoine, Aundray, Carnel, Carvell, Catrell, Daiquan, Darrelle, Darvell, Davell, Deandrew, Delonte, Demarlo, Demorris, Deondray, Deontray, Deshane, Deshone, Deundra, Dierre, Dontel, Dontell, Donyea, Donzel, Dornell, Dorrell, Dreshaun, Dvonte, Dyshawn, Jahquan, Jamicheal, Janeil, Jarelle, Jermale, Jermone, Jontrell, Kentrel, Kyshaun, Labrandon, Lamel, Lamichael, Lamontae, Lamorris, Laterrance, Lavontae, Lejuan, Lesean, Lonell, Markelle, Markise, Marquavius, Marshon, Marshun, Mishawn, Montel, Montray, Quron, Rasaan, Rashod, Reshard, Reshawn, Romone, Rontrell, Roshon, Shajuan, Shamarr, Shameek, Shamell, Shaquil, Sharrod, Taeshawn, Terelle, Tishawn, Travone, Trevonn, Tyray, Tyronn, Charvis, Delvonte, Jarmel, Lavert, Marquail, Quintell, Rontavious, Antrone, Antwaine, Antwion, Antwione, Artrell, Carlens, Cartrell, Cordarro, Damonta, Dannell, Danzell, Daquane, Dariell, Daundre, Davarious, Decorey, Delawrence, Delonta, Demarkis, Demontray, Dennard, Deontra, Deunta, Deuntae, Dreshon, Dshaun, Dyrell, Jaekwon, Jakwan, Jamarien, Jamarl, Jamorris, Jaquell, Jaquille, Javelle, Javohn, Jemell, Jermarcus, Jernard, Jevaughn, Jimel, Jorrell, Jurell, Kawon, Keiondre, Ladarrian, Laquon, Larrell, Latrail, Latravis, Lavontay, Lekeith, Lemonte, Lennell, Leshon, Letroy, Markeem, Marqueze, Montavis, Montrelle, Omaree, Quashon, Rayshard, Sadarius, Sederick, Shamond, Shanard, Shaquelle, Shaquile, Shawntez, Tasheem, Teshaun, Tranell, Tremell, Tyliek, Tynell, Tyress, Tywone, Vontrell, Vonzell, Zyrell

Names like Darnell

Names whose popularity has moved with Darnell's over the last 50 years.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

D is for Darnell, our favorite little boy.

D is for Darnell…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Darnell's letter becomes Darnell's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

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Questions parents ask

What does the name Darnell mean?
The origin and meaning of Darnell are uncertain. It is believed to be derived from the English surname Darnall, which may come from a place name meaning 'hidden nook'.
How popular is the name Darnell today?
As of 2025, Darnell ranks 2,421 in the United States, with an estimated 1 in 30,501 male newborns given the name. Its popularity peaked in 1984.
Is Darnell a boy's name or a girl's name?
Darnell is traditionally a masculine name, though it has occasionally been used for girls.