Darnell
Old English · Boy · 2 syllables
Popularity & facts
Relative popularity index, 2010–2025Popularity over time
Popularity indexHistorical popularity from 1880–2025 · US Social Security Administration data
About the name Darnell
The given name 'Darnell' means "hidden nook" or "hidden spot," derived from the Old English elements *derne* (hidden, secret) and *halh* (nook, corner).
This meaning was compiled with AI assistance and is awaiting community review. Know this name well? Help verify or improve it.
Etymology
The given name 'Darnell' means "hidden nook" or "hidden spot," derived from the Old English elements *derne* (hidden, secret) and *halh* (nook, corner). It is primarily used in English-speaking cultures, notably among African Americans in the United States, where it gained popularity in the mid-20th century without specific religious or historical prominence.
Darnell currently ranks #2,423 in the United States as a boy's name. It reached its peak popularity around 1984.
Contribute to this name
Help improve this page with a meaning, origin, or correction—and get credited as a contributor.
Share your knowledge about this name—meaning, origin, pronunciation, or correction. Your contribution is reviewed and credited with your name.
Login to contributeWe use Google & Facebook login — no password needed.
Sibling name ideas
African American names that sit beautifully beside DarnellSimilar names you might like
Names starting with DMore names starting with D
- Da
- Daelyn
- Dailyn
- Dakoda
- Dael
- Daizy
- Dahir
- Dakhari
- Daine
- Daila
- Dailany
- Daenerys
- Dainette
- Dahlila
- Dakai
- Dai
- Daivik
- Dahlya
Find middle names for Darnell →
🧬 See Darnell's popularity the year you were born →
🔢 Get Darnell's free numerology report card →
💫 Is Darnell your name? Get your free “My name means…” card →
👶 Have a Darnell already? Find sibling names that fit →
💬 Does Darnell go with your surname? Check the rhythm, rhyme and initials →
Names that sound like Darnell
Phonetic match, not just spelling"The given name 'Darnelle' is derived from the Old French name 'Darnel', which is a diminutive form of 'Darnay', meaning…"
"Dhrumil is a Sanskrit-derived name meaning "tree-like" or "one who is like a tree," combining the root "dhrum" (tree) with…"
"The given name 'Darnley' is derived from the Old French name 'Darnel', which is a variant of 'Darnell', meaning 'from…"
"The given name 'Darnel' is derived from the Old French word 'darnel', which is related to the Latin word 'darnellus',…"
"The name 'Dormilee' does not have a widely recognized meaning or clear linguistic root, and it appears to be a…"
"The name 'Dormalee' does not have a widely recognized etymology or established meaning; it appears to be a modern invented…"
"The given name 'Dernell' is a modern invented name, likely a blend of elements from surnames like "Dern" or "Darnell,"…"
"The given name 'Darneil' is derived from the Gaelic name 'Dòmhnaill', meaning 'ruler of the world' or 'world ruler', with…"
"The name 'Darrnell' is a modern American invented name, likely a variant of 'Darnell', which derives from an Old English…"
"The name 'Dreamlyn' is a modern invented name, combining the English word "dream" with the suffix "-lyn," thus meaning "dream-like"…"
"The given name 'Darnella' is derived from the Arabic name 'Darina' or 'Darina', which is a variant of 'Dariyah', meaning…"
"The name 'Darinel' does not have a widely recognized etymology or established meaning in standard onomastic sources, but it is…"