MallowbyNames

Durell

duh-REL · Of uncertain origin; possibly a variant of Durrell or an altered form of the French surname Durel, perhaps meaning 'hard' or 'steadfast'.

Peak popularity
1985
Usually for
Boys
Trend
Declining since 1986

Declining since 1986.

Popularity of Durell since 1913

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

69139208192019602000Most births 1985Boys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeBoys
1910s66
1920s119
1930s88
1940s70
1950s60
1960s108
1970s121
1980s609
1990s217
2000s155
2010s116
2020s13

Meaning & origin

Durell is an uncommon given name in the United States, with its first recorded use in 1913. It reached its peak popularity in 1985, when it ranked 1,863rd, but has since been on a declining trajectory, consistent with a broader fall in use since 1986. The name has never ranked among the top 1000 names. Its rarity and distinctive sound appeal to parents seeking an unusual name with a familiar phonetic structure. Durell is primarily given to boys, though it has occasionally been used for girls. The name's etymology is uncertain, likely tied to the French surname Durel, meaning 'hard' or 'steadfast', or the English surname Durrell, derived from the Latin word for 'enduring'. Despite its obscurity, Durell offers a unique alternative to more common names like Darrell or Mitchell, and its simple pronunciation makes it accessible.

Durell is a rare given name in the United States, first recorded in 1913. It is likely an anglicized form of the French surname Durel, which may derive from Old French 'dur' meaning 'hard' or 'stern'. Alternatively, it may be a variant of the surname Durrell, itself a diminutive of Durand (from Latin 'durandus', 'enduring'). The name saw modest use in the mid-20th century, peaking in 1985, but has since declined.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Dur

Variants: Durrell, Durelle

Sibling names for Durell

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

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

D is for Durell, our favorite little boy.

D is for Durell…”

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

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Questions parents ask

What does the name Durell mean?
The meaning of Durell is uncertain. It is thought to derive from a French surname meaning 'hard' or 'steadfast', or from a variant of Durrell, related to the Latin word for 'enduring'.
Is Durell a common name?
Durell is a rare name. It has not appeared in the top 1000 U.S. rankings in recent decades. Its peak year was 1985, when it ranked 1,863rd in popularity.
Is Durell a boy's name or a girl's name?
Durell is predominantly used as a boy's name, though it has occasionally been used for girls. The Social Security Administration records show it has been given almost exclusively to boys since 1913.