MallowbyNames

Runell

roo-NEL · Of uncertain origin; perhaps a modern coinage or variant of Renelle or Rene.

Peak popularity
1930
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady.

Popularity of Runell since 1919

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

4812192019602000Most births 1930Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1910s6
1920s75
1930s52
1940s30
1950s11
1960s0
1970s0
1980s0
1990s0
2000s0
2010s0
2020s0

Meaning & origin

Runell is a rare name that first appeared in U.S. Social Security records in 1919. Its most popular year was 1930, which likely reflects the peak of the name's modest use during a time when similar sounding names were fashionable. The name has remained stable but extremely uncommon, with no significant resurgence. Its lack of clear origin or meaning suggests it was a creative invention, possibly influenced by the suffix '-ell' common in names like 'Louise' or 'Mabel'. Today, Runell is an obscure choice, appealing to parents seeking a truly unique name from early 20th century American naming trends.

Runell appears to be a modern invention, likely formed by combining a popular sound (e.g., from names like Ruth or Ruby) with the fashionable suffix -ell. It first appears in U.S. birth records in 1919 and saw its peak usage in 1930, but it has never been a common name. It may also be a variant of the French-inspired Rene or Renelle, though no direct etymological link has been documented.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Rue, Nell

Sibling names for Runell

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

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

R is for Runell, our favorite little girl.

R is for Runell…”

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

Make Runell's book

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

Questions parents ask

What does the name Runell mean?
The meaning of Runell is uncertain. It may be a modern coinage or a variant of names like Renelle, which itself is a feminine form of René, meaning 'reborn.'
Is Runell a popular name right now?
No, Runell is not currently popular. It was most popular in 1930, with very few births recorded since the 1930s. It has not appeared in the top 1000 names for any recent year.
Is Runell a boy or girl name?
Runell is typically used for girls, according to U.S. birth records since 1919.