What does Odell mean and where does it come from?
Odell originates from an Old English surname derived from 'wād', meaning woad, a blue dye. Used mainly in English-speaking countries, it has gained traction as a unisex first name. Its popularity as a feminine name in the United States increased in the late 20th century. The name carries connotation
Cultural significance
Odell has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of woad hill or from the hill near the woad.
Peak popularity
Reached #478 in 1910 — currently #1729 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Odell?
Odell works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Odell Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Odell Rose
Floral · soft ending
Odell Mae
Sweet · timeless
Odell Claire
French influence · crisp
Odell Jane
Literary · strong
Odell Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Odell right now?
Holding steady — currently #1729 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1729 | 471 | ▲ up 5 · +4% births |
| 2022 | #1734 | 451 | ▲ up 5 · +7% births |
| 2021 | #1739 | 421 | ▲ up 3076 · +5163% births |
| 1960 | #4815 | 8 | ▼ down 1956 · -50% births |
| 1955 | #2859 | 16 | ▼ down 724 · -24% births |
| 1950 | #2135 | 21 | ▼ down 679 · -32% births |
| 1945 | #1456 | 31 | ▼ down 206 · -11% births |
| 1940 | #1250 | 35 | ▼ down 441 · -51% births |
| 1935 | #809 | 71 | ▼ down 113 · -28% births |
| 1930 | #696 | 98 | ▼ down 96 · -33% births |
| 1925 | #600 | 146 | ▼ down 25 · -6% births |
| 1920 | #575 | 156 | ▲ up 7 · +25% births |
| 1915 | #582 | 125 | ▼ down 104 · +74% births |
| 1910 | #478 | 72 | ▲ up 153 · +125% births |
| 1905 | #631 | 32 | — |
The story of Odell
Odell has been a beloved American name for over 135 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1889. A total of 18,906 babies have received this name. Odell is used for both genders: 22% female and 78% male.
Names that peaked alongside Odell in 1910:
Odell by decade
Odell peaked in the 1910s. See all 1910s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 36 | |
| 1890s | 125 | |
| 1900s | 682 | |
| 1910s | 2,984 | |
| 1920s ★ | 4,406 | |
| 1930s | 3,082 | |
| 1940s | 2,446 | |
| 1950s | 1,971 | |
| 1960s | 1,092 | |
| 1970s | 740 | |
| 1980s | 505 | |
| 1990s | 369 | |
| 2000s | 198 | |
| 2010s | 241 | |
| 2020s | 29 | |
What are good nicknames for Odell?
What names sound and feel like Odell?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Odell also consider these
Common questions about the name Odell
What does the name Odell mean?
Odell means "Woad hill or from the hill near the woad" — a name rooted in American 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 Odell?
Odell 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 Odell?
Odell originates from American tradition. American names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Odell?
Odell is a two-syllable name pronounced OW0 D EH1 L. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Odell a common or rare name?
Odell is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.