Darnell is a name of African American origin, derived from the old English personal name "Dernulf," which was formed by combining the elements "deor" meaning "spear" and "nulaf" meaning "of nobility." The name Dernulf was popular among the Saxons and is thought to have been brought to England by Viking settlers. Over time, the name evolved phonetically and eventually became Darnell.
The name Darnell has a rich history and can be found in various forms throughout medieval English records. It was often used as a given name but also appeared as a surname. Some notable figures with the name include American football player Darrelle Revis, musician Darryl "Darnell" McDaniels of the rap group Run-D.M.C., and actor Darnell Williams from the soap opera All My Children.
In recent years, Darnell has gained popularity as a given name for boys in English-speaking countries. According to data from the Social Security Administration in the United States, the name reached its peak popularity in the 1970s and 1980s but has since declined somewhat. Despite this, it remains a distinctive and historically significant choice for parents naming their sons.
In summary, Darnell is an African American name with old English origins that has evolved over centuries to become a unique and recognizable given name for boys. Its history and meaning make it a powerful and meaningful choice for parents looking for a memorable name for their child.
The name Darnell has been a part of the American landscape for over a century, with the first recorded birth occurring in 1917. From then until now, there have been a total of 2387 births registered in the United States.
Throughout the early to mid-twentieth century, the popularity of the name Darnell ebbed and flowed. The highest number of births recorded in any single year was 70, which occurred in 1950. This peak was followed by a steady decline in popularity, with the number of annual births falling below 30 every year from 1972 onwards.
Despite this decline, Darnell remained a presence on the American birth registry throughout the latter half of the twentieth century and into the twenty-first. The most recent recorded birth occurred as recently as 2017, indicating that while not as popular as it once was, the name Darnell continues to be chosen by parents for their newborn sons.
It is interesting to note that there were two spikes in popularity during this period - one in the late 1930s and early 1940s, with a high of 44 births recorded in 1941, and another in the mid-1950s, with a peak of 71 births in 1951. These periods of increased popularity may reflect broader cultural trends or influences that shaped parental naming choices during these times.
In conclusion, while the name Darnell has not been among the most popular choices for newborn boys in recent years, it has maintained a steady presence on American birth records for over a century. Its enduring appeal is a testament to its unique sound and potential meaning, as well as its historical significance as a name with deep roots in American culture.