Odell is a given name of American origin. It was popularized by the character Odell, a young boy in the novel "The Story of the Night" written by Irish author William Trevor. However, its exact etymology is uncertain.
Some sources suggest that Odell may be derived from Old English elements, such as "od" meaning wealth or prosperity, and "well" referring to a spring or stream. Therefore, Odell could mean "prosperous spring" or "wealthy spring." Alternatively, it might come from the Scottish surname Odell, which is thought to have originated from the name of an estate in Scotland called Odiham.
Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals named Odell. In addition to the character mentioned earlier, Odell is also a surname carried by prominent figures like Sir John Odell, an English politician and Member of Parliament during the reign of King James I, and Odell Brewing Company, a craft brewery founded in Fort Collins, Colorado.
Despite its uncertain origins, Odell remains a unique and distinctive name choice. While it may not have a widespread or well-known meaning like some other names, its rarity can make it appealing to those seeking an uncommon moniker for their child. Ultimately, whether you're drawn to Odell because of its potential meanings or simply appreciate its sound, it's clear that this name carries a certain charm and allure.
The name Odell had a peak in popularity during the early to mid-20th century, with over 100 births per year consistently from 1908 to 1922. The highest number of births was recorded in 1916 with 158 babies named Odell. However, its popularity has significantly declined since then, with fewer than 30 births per year after the 1940s and only single-digit births from 1957 onwards. In total, over the period of available data (1889-2017), there were 4151 babies named Odell.