Declining since 1985, #1,688 for boys today.
Popularity of Darrell since 1886
Babies named Darrell per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 5 |
| 1890s | 64 |
| 1900s | 125 |
| 1910s | 1,642 |
| 1920s | 5,128 |
| 1930s | 11,126 |
| 1940s | 18,225 |
| 1950s | 37,257 |
| 1960s | 38,025 |
| 1970s | 20,072 |
| 1980s | 13,162 |
| 1990s | 7,556 |
| 2000s | 4,108 |
| 2010s | 2,536 |
| 2020s | 735 |
Meaning & origin
Darrell has been in use since at least 1886, when it was first recorded in U.S. data. The name reached its peak popularity in 1958, ranking among the top names for boys in that era. Since 1985, its usage has been steadily declining. In the latest year, 2025, approximately 1 in 17,609 boys were named Darrell, placing it at rank 1688. The states where Darrell has been most common include Maryland, Louisiana, and Massachusetts. Despite its decline, Darrell retains a classic, mid-century feel that may appeal to those seeking a name with vintage charm.
Darrell is of uncertain origin but likely derived from the Old English 'dearn' meaning 'hidden' or 'secret', or from the Norman French 'd'Airelle', a habitational name. It emerged as a given name in the 19th century, particularly in the United States, and saw a surge in popularity during the mid-20th century.
Where Darrell 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.
“Darrell” around the world
Where Darrell 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: Dar, Dare, Darry
Sibling names for Darrell
Names that share Darrell's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Karen, Debra, Linda, Susan, Brenda, Earlene, Lavonda, Lawana, Sharell, Tennille, Darnella, Deatrice, Jerlean, Jodell, Laresa, Murlene, Sharrell, Kishia, Rojean, Yvonda, Charmon, Darlette, Darlisa, Lanett, Lonnette, Marshella, Melonee, Sharlett, Sharmel, Trenita, Waynetta
Brothers: Keith, Glenn, Mark, Jerome, Tony, Jarrell, Kirk, Cardell, Durell, Durrell, Lavell, Martell, Pernell, Darnelle, Derrel, Donyell, Lenell, Lonnell, Raynell, Tarrell, Davell, Derrill, Dornell, Dorrell, Ladell, Mandrell, Marrell, Raydell
Names like Darrell
Names whose popularity has moved with Darrell's over the last 50 years.
