Darrel

Meaning & origin

Darrel is a variant spelling of the English name Darrell, which entered use as a given name in the 19th century. The name derives from an Anglo-Norman surname meaning "from Airelle," a place name in France. In the United States, Darrel first appeared in records around 1900 and saw a significant rise in popularity during the early 20th century, reaching its highest rank of 465 in 1939. However, since 1987, its usage has been steadily declining. As of 2025, the name ranks 5,399, with approximately 1 in 100,475 boys receiving the name. While it never reached the top 100, Darrel enjoyed a notable presence in the 1930s and 1940s. Its decline mirrors broader shifts away from mid-century names. The spelling variant Darrel is less common than Darrell or Daryl, but it remains a recognizable option for those seeking a traditional name with a slightly distinct form.

Darrel is an English variant of the name Darrell, which itself is a transferred use of the English surname Darrell. The surname is of Anglo-Norman origin, derived from the Old French "d'Airelle," meaning "from Airelle," a place in France. It was introduced to England after the Norman Conquest of 1066. The name has been used as a given name since the 19th century, primarily for boys, though it can be unisex.