Darnell

The Meaning & Origin of the Name Darnell

Gender Boy
Origin English
Letters 7
Syllables 2
Pronunciation dahr-NEL

Darnell, which has 7 letters and 2 syllables, is a male name of English origin.

Meaning of Darnell

Hidden nook

The name Darnell is derived from an Old French phrase meaning "hidden nook." It can also be interpreted to mean "hidden one," "hidden treasure," or "hidden gem."

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Meaning Hidden nook
Origin English
Gender Boy
Popularity (US) #984 in 2012 Declining Fast
Rarity (US) Rare (Top 1000)
Era 80s name

Background & History of The Name Darnell

The name Darnell is a gender-neutral name that has origins in both French and English. It is believed to be derived from the medieval French name Darnel, which refers to a type of grass and also means “hidden.” Darnell gained popularity as a given name in English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States, during the 20th century.

One notable association with the name Darnell is the American actor Darnell Martin, who gained recognition for her work as a director and screenwriter. She became the first African-American woman to direct a feature film for a major studio with her movie "I Like It Like That" in 1994. Martin's success in the film industry brought attention to the name and contributed to its popularity.

Darnell is also associated with several noteworthy athletes. Darnell Valentine, an American former professional basketball player, made a name for himself during the 1980s. He played in the NBA for the Portland Trail Blazers, the Los Angeles Clippers, and the Cleveland Cavaliers. Another famous athlete with the name is Darnell Dockett, a former American football defensive end who played the majority of his career for the Arizona Cardinals in the NFL.

Furthermore, Darnell is a name that conveys strength and resilience. It has become a popular choice for parents seeking a unique and powerful name for their children. The name Darnell continues to have a strong presence, not only in the United States but also in other English-speaking countries around the world.

Popularity Over Time

US Social Security Administration data showing the rank of Darnell over the years.

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Common nicknames and short forms for Darnell.

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