Darnelle is a unique and distinctive given name, originating from African roots. It's composed of two elements: 'Da' meaning 'power', and 'rnelli', which has uncertain origins but is believed to have been inspired by the Italian surname Renelli. The name Darnelle was popularized in the United States during the 1970s, likely due to its distinctive sound and African heritage.
The name Darnelle has seen fluctuations in popularity over the years, with peaks in the late 1970s to mid-1980s and again in the early 1990s. The highest number of births recorded in a single year was 20, which occurred twice (in 1984 and 1986). However, since the late 1990s, the name has become less common, with fewer than 10 births per year from 1997 onwards. The most recent data shows that there were 5 births in 2022. In total, there have been 362 births recorded for the name Darnelle since 1963.