A 1940s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Wendell since 1880
Babies named Wendell per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 83 |
| 1890s | 182 |
| 1900s | 366 |
| 1910s | 3,431 |
| 1920s | 6,226 |
| 1930s | 6,217 |
| 1940s | 8,378 |
| 1950s | 9,904 |
| 1960s | 8,968 |
| 1970s | 3,714 |
| 1980s | 2,615 |
| 1990s | 1,555 |
| 2000s | 904 |
| 2010s | 731 |
| 2020s | 489 |
Meaning & origin
Wendell is a name of uncertain origin, possibly derived from German or Slavic roots. It was first recorded in U.S. data in 1880, and saw its peak popularity in 1940, ranking among the more common names at that time. Since 2010, its usage has been slowly rising, though it remains rare. In 2025, the name ranked 2,145th, with about 1 in 25,494 boys receiving the name. Top states for Wendell include South Carolina, Missouri, and California. The name carries a vintage feel, reminiscent of mid-20th-century modest charm, and may appeal to parents seeking an underused but recognizable name with a soft sound.
Wendell is of uncertain origin. It may derive from the Old German element 'wandal' or 'wendel', meaning 'wanderer', or from the Slavic 'veliky', meaning 'great'. The name has been used in German-speaking regions and among Slavic peoples, often as a surname before becoming a given name. It gained some popularity in the English-speaking world in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Where Wendell 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.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Wen, Dell, Wendy
Sibling names for Wendell
Names that share Wendell's style, for a brother or sister.
