Durrell is a unique and distinctive given name of English origin. It is derived from the Old French word 'dure' which means 'hardy' or 'strong'. The name gained popularity in the early to mid 20th century, largely due to the works of Gerald Durrell, a British naturalist, zookeeper, and author.
Gerald Durrell was born on the Greek island of Corfu in 1925. His family moved there when he was just five years old, and it was his experiences growing up on this beautiful island that inspired him to dedicate his life to the study and conservation of wildlife. He wrote several books about his adventures in nature, including 'My Family and Other Animals', which was made into a popular television series.
The name Durrell is not particularly common, but those who bear it often stand out due to its uniqueness. It has a strong, sturdy sound that reflects its meaning. Despite its English origins, the name has been used in various parts of the world, including Australia and New Zealand.
In terms of famous individuals named Durrell, aside from Gerald, there is also Lawrence Durrell, a British poet and novelist known for his Alexandria Quartet series of novels set in Egypt during World War II. These two men have helped to popularize the name Durrell and give it a certain literary cachet.
Overall, Durrell is a distinctive given name with a strong meaning that reflects its English origins. Its popularity has been influenced by the works of Gerald Durrell, who dedicated his life to the study and conservation of wildlife. Despite not being particularly common, those who bear this name often stand out due to its uniqueness and robust sound.
The name Durrel has been given to a total of 55 babies born in the United States between the years 1977 and 1999, according to the statistics provided.
In the year 1977, there were 5 newborns named Durrel. The number of births with this name remained consistent at 5 in the year 1984 as well.
However, starting from 1985, there was an increase in the popularity of the name Durrel. In both 1985 and 1986, a total of 9 babies were named Durrel at birth. The peak in popularity came in 1987 with 11 newborns being given this name.
After reaching its highest point, the popularity of the name Durrel began to decline once again. In 1989, there were only 6 babies born with this name, followed by a drop to 5 births each in the years 1990 and 1999.
Despite the fluctuations in its popularity over the decades, the name Durrel continues to be chosen for newborns in the United States. With its unique spelling and sound, it remains an interesting and distinctive option for parents looking for a less common name for their child.