MallowbyNames

Varnell

var-NEL · Of uncertain origin; possibly a variant of Varnelle or a transferred use of an English surname.

Peak popularity
1933
Usually for
Girls & boys
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady.

Popularity of Varnell since 1915

Babies named Varnell per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1956, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Varnell's real moment was 1933.

3710192019602000Most births 1956GirlsBoys
GirlsBoys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirlsBoys
1910s1011
1920s4038
1930s1042
1940s1722
1950s1638
1960s55
1970s019
1980s05
1990s00
2000s00
2010s00
2020s00

Meaning & origin

Varnell is a rare American given name with roots in the early 20th century. First recorded in 1917, it saw its highest usage in 1933, reflecting the naming trends of the 1930s when inventive and surname-style names gained popularity. The name has remained stable in low usage since then, never entering the top 1000. Its gender-neutral appeal makes it a distinctive choice for both boys and girls, though it is most commonly associated with the era of its peak. The name carries a vintage charm, largely absent from modern birth records.

The name Varnell is of uncertain origin. It may be a transferred use of the English surname Varnell, itself possibly derived from a place name or a variant of Farnell or Varney. As a given name, it has been recorded in the United States since the early 20th century, with peak usage in the 1930s. It is used for both boys and girls.

Sibling names for Varnell

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

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

V is for Varnell, our favorite little person.

V is for Varnell…”

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

Make Varnell's book

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

Questions parents ask

What does the name Varnell mean?
The meaning of Varnell is uncertain. It may be a variant of a surname or a given name formed from popular naming patterns.
How popular is the name Varnell?
Varnell has never ranked in the top 1000 U.S. names. Its peak year was 1933, and it remains very rare in modern times.
Is Varnell a boy or girl name?
Varnell is unisex, historically given to both boys and girls.