Terrell is of African origin, derived from the surname Terrill which originated from the Old Norse personal name Þorvaldr. Þorvaldr translates to 'Thor's warrior', referencing the Norse god of thunder, Thor. The name gained popularity in America during the mid-20th century and has since been widely used as a given name. It is often associated with the American football player Terrell Owens, known for his exceptional athletic abilities.
The name Terrell experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the years, with a notable peak during World War II and the early post-war period from 1942 to 1946, with as many as 37 births in 1967, but declined thereafter. It seems to have been more commonly used for males than females throughout most of its history, particularly after the 1980s.