Darrel

“Dear one”

USA origin · Unisex name

♂ 100% boys♀ 0% girls

#1507US 2023

693Births / yr

→Stable

29.8kAll-time births

📅 Since 192900

How to pronounce Darrel

der-əl,dar-əl

/der-əl,dar-əl/ · · 2 syllables

“Dear one”

USA origin · Unisex name

What does Darrel mean and where does it come from?

Though traditionally a male name, Darrel has been adopted for females, especially in America. The name itself is of English origin, a variant of Darrell, and is derived from a surname meaning 'from Airelle' or 'beloved.' Its recent use as a feminine name reflects the evolving nature of gender-specif

Cultural significance

Darrel has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in USA-speaking communities, where it reflects values of dear one.

Peak popularity

Reached #3530 in 1939 — currently #1507 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Darrel?

Darrel works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Darrel Grace

How popular is Darrel right now?

Holding steady — currently #1507 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1940–2023#1507 · Top 1.1%

1940

1950

1960

1970

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1507	693	▲ up 5 · +3% births
2022	#1512	673	▲ up 5 · +5% births
2021	#1517	643	▲ up 6615 · +12760% births
1970	#8132	5	▼ down 1622
1960	#6510	5	▼ down 1650 · -17% births
1950	#4860	6	▼ down 328 · +20% births
1940	#4532	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Darrel

Best Year2023Rank #1507

Peak Count693

Average Rank#4081

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1940 - 20237 years

The story of Darrel

Darrel entered American naming records in 1929 and has been in use for over 95 years. A total of 29,773 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4532 in 1940 to #1507 in 2023. Darrel is used for both genders: 0% female and 100% male.

Names that peaked alongside Darrel in 1939:

Mary Barbara Patricia Betty Shirley

Darrel by decade

Darrel peaked in the 1930s. See all 1930s names →

Decade	Births
1900s	63
1910s	612
1920s	1,904
1930s	3,752
1940s	5,288
1950s ★	6,068
1960s	5,528
1970s	2,673
1980s	1,864
1990s	1,135
2000s	538
2010s	327
2020s	21

What are good nicknames for Darrel?

Common

DarDaArrel

What names sound and feel like Darrel?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Darrel also consider these

Darel

English · English

Darvel

Scotland · From the land

Darnel

American · Last name from

Dairel

American · A variant of

American · spear ruler

Tarrel

American · to pull or

How is Darrel written in other languages?

Common questions about the name Darrel

What does the name Darrel mean?

Darrel means "Dear one" — a name rooted in USA tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Darrel?

Darrel is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Darrel?

Darrel originates from USA tradition. USA names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

Is Darrel a common or rare name?

Darrel is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.

Is Darrel more of a girl or boy name?

Darrel is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.