Dontrel is a unique and distinct given name of African American origin, derived from the combination of two names: Donald and Trellis. The name Donald, of Scottish origin, means "proud chief," while Trellis has French roots and signifies "to cultivate" or "to grow." Thus, Dontrel could be interpreted as signifying "growing chief" or "chief who cultivates." This name is often associated with strength, leadership, and nurturing qualities. It gained popularity in the United States during the mid-20th century but remains relatively uncommon today.
The name Dontrel has seen fluctuating popularity over the years, with a notable peak in 1993 when it was given to 22 newborns. However, it has been less common since around the year 2000, with fewer than 10 births per year in most recent years, including just 5 births each in 2017 and 2018. Overall, there have been a total of 258 children named Dontrel born between 1980 and 2018.