Rendell is an uncommon yet distinctive given name of English origin. It is derived from the Old English word "rēdene", which means 'counsel' or 'advice'. This name was once quite popular in England, but its usage has since declined, making it a unique choice for parents looking to give their child a distinctive name with a rich history. The name Rendell is associated with several notable figures throughout history, including the British author Ruth Rendell, who gained widespread acclaim for her crime novels featuring Chief Inspector Reginald Wexford.
The name Rendell appears to have had varying popularity over the years, with peaks in the late 1960s and early 1970s, and again in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The most popular year for the name was 1972, with 29 births. However, there were also several years with only a single-digit number of births, including many recent years. Overall, since 1939, there have been a total of 604 babies named Rendell.