MallowbyNames

Derril

DAIR-il · Of uncertain origin; possibly a variant of Derryl or a transferred use of a surname.

Peak popularity
1931
Usually for
Boys
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady.

Popularity of Derril since 1925

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

481219602000Most births 1931Boys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeBoys
1920s25
1930s44
1940s53
1950s43
1960s26
1970s7
1980s0
1990s0
2000s0
2010s0
2020s0

Meaning & origin

Derril is a rare given name that first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1925, during a period when many phonetic variants of established names were being coined. Its peak usage occurred in 1931, the same year it reached its highest recorded count, but it never achieved widespread popularity. The name has a 'stable' trajectory, meaning its usage has remained consistently low over decades with no significant resurgence. While its exact etymology is uncertain, it likely derives from the more common Darryl or a similar variant, reflecting a mid-20th-century trend of creating new names by altering spellings. Today, Derril is exceedingly uncommon, with fewer than five annual registrations in recent years, making it a distinctive choice for parents seeking a name with a vintage feel.

The name Derril first appeared in U.S. records in the 1920s and saw modest use through the 1930s, peaking in 1931. It is likely a phonetic respelling of Darryl or a surname derived from an English place name. Its exact derivation is unclear, and it has not been widely used since the mid-20th century.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Derry, Ril

Variants: Derryl, Darrel, Darryl

Sibling names for Derril

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

Sisters: Audrey, Clara, Iris, Mabel, Ruth

Brothers: Calvin, Earl, Harold, Lester, Roy

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

D is for Derril, our favorite little boy.

D is for Derril…”

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

Make Derril's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Derril mean?
The meaning of Derril is uncertain. It may be a variant of Darryl, which itself is of disputed origin, possibly from an English surname meaning 'from Airelle' or a Norman place name.
How popular is the name Derril?
Derril has never ranked in the U.S. top 1000. It was most popular in the 1930s, with its peak year in 1931. In recent years, fewer than 5 boys per year receive the name.
Is Derril a boy's or girl's name?
Derril is almost exclusively used for boys, though it could be considered unisex. Historical U.S. data shows it has been given nearly entirely to male babies.