Noah Boy
NOH-uh
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#2
Darnell
BoyEnglish· “uncertain; English surname”
- Meaning
- uncertain; English surname (origin disputed)
- Origin
- English
- Pronunciation
- dar-NEL
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #2,423
- US babies 2025
- 56
- Best rank
- #281 (1984)
- Peak year
- 1984
Meaning and origin of Darnell
Darnell is often said to mean “uncertain; English surname”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to English roots.
Darnell comes from an English surname whose origin is uncertain. It may derive from an Old French word for a type of grass, sometimes identified as darnel, or from a place name, but no single explanation is firmly established. As a given name, Darnell became popular in the United States in the mid to late twentieth century. It has a smooth, confident sound, with stress on the second syllable. Darnell feels friendly and strong. Nell and Darn are possible nicknames, though many will simply use the full name.
Popularity over time
Darnell first appears in US Social Security records in 1912. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 71 different years, starting in 1939. Its best national rank was #281 in 1984, the same year it reached its highest count of 741 babies. In 2025, 56 babies were named Darnell, and it ranked #2,423 nationally. That is 63% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #2,358 in 1920, #504 in 1950, #351 in 1980, #659 in 2000, #887 in 2010, and #2,423 in 2025. Of the 28,631 US boys named Darnell since records began, 22% were born in the 1980s, its biggest decade. The 1970s come next, with 4,828 babies. Since 2010, 2,272 more have been named Darnell.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Brenton, Antoine, Jerrod, Marques, and Ryne.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Darnell ranked highest in New Jersey, Ohio, and Texas.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | #1061 | 5 |
| Ohio | #1317 | 5 |
| Texas | #2341 | 6 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Darnell is usually pronounced dar-NEL, with two syllables. It has seven letters, starts with D and ends in “-ll”.
Middle names for Darnell
A few middle names that flow with Darnell: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Darnell
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Lists that include Darnell
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Darnell mean?
Darnell is often said to mean “uncertain; English surname”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to English roots.
What is the origin of the name Darnell?
Darnell has English roots. Darnell comes from an English surname whose origin is uncertain.
Is Darnell a popular name?
Not especially. Darnell ranked #2,423 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Darnell a boy or girl name?
Darnell is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Darnell?
Darnell is usually pronounced dar-NEL. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings