Derrell is a name of American origin, derived from the Old English words "deor" meaning dear or beloved, and "hlyf" which means shield. Therefore, Derrell means "dear shield." This name has been used for centuries in England but it was not very popular until the mid-20th century when it started to gain traction among parents looking for unique names for their sons.
The name Derrell is often associated with strength and protection due to its meaning. It is also considered a unisex name, although it is more commonly used for boys. Some variations of this name include Derrol, Deryll, Derril, and Derrall.
Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals named Derrell. For example, American football player Derrell Revis was a cornerback in the NFL from 2007 to 2019. He is considered one of the greatest defensive players in NFL history. Another notable figure is Derrell McKinney, an American jazz musician who played trumpet and flugelhorn.
Despite its unique sound, Derrell remains relatively uncommon compared to other names with similar meanings like Derrick or Daryl. However, those who choose this name often do so because they appreciate its uniqueness and historical significance.
The name Derrell experienced a peak in popularity during the 1930s and early 1940s, with over 40 births annually from 1932 to 1947. It reached its zenith in 1948 with 57 births. However, since the late 1960s, there has been a significant decline in its usage, dropping below 20 births per year consistently since 2015. In recent years (2021-2023), it has averaged around 11 births annually. Overall, there have been a total of 5848 babies named Derrell from 1909 to 2023.