Derrell is a name of American origin, derived from the Old English words "deor" meaning dear or beloved, and "hlyf" which means shield. Therefore, Derrell means "dear shield." This name has been used for centuries in England but it was not very popular until the mid-20th century when it started to gain traction among parents looking for unique names for their sons.
The name Derrell is often associated with strength and protection due to its meaning. It is also considered a unisex name, although it is more commonly used for boys. Some variations of this name include Derrol, Deryll, Derril, and Derrall.
Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals named Derrell. For example, American football player Derrell Revis was a cornerback in the NFL from 2007 to 2019. He is considered one of the greatest defensive players in NFL history. Another notable figure is Derrell McKinney, an American jazz musician who played trumpet and flugelhorn.
Despite its unique sound, Derrell remains relatively uncommon compared to other names with similar meanings like Derrick or Daryl. However, those who choose this name often do so because they appreciate its uniqueness and historical significance.
The name Derrell has seen a significant increase and decrease in popularity over the years in the United States. Between 1909 and 1927, there were fewer than 25 births per year with this name, indicating it was not particularly common during that time period.
However, starting from 1932, the number of babies named Derrell began to rise steadily, reaching a peak in 1958 with 92 births. This trend continued through the early 1960s, with over 70 births per year recorded between 1960 and 1964.
The popularity of the name Derrell seemed to have stabilized around this time, with yearly birth numbers ranging from 50 to 90 throughout the late 1960s and early 1970s. There was a slight increase in the mid-1970s, with over 90 births recorded in both 1978 and 1979.
The 1980s marked another notable rise in popularity for the name Derrell, with numbers surpassing 100 births per year starting from 1985 until reaching a peak of 136 births in 1987. This decade was undoubtedly the most popular period for the name.
The following decades saw a steady decline in its popularity once again. By the mid-1990s, fewer than 100 babies were named Derrell each year. Since then, the number of annual births with this name has continued to decrease, reaching an all-time low of just 9 births in 2022.
In total, from 1909 to 2023, there have been 5848 babies born named Derrell in the United States. Despite its fluctuating popularity over time, this unique name has maintained a consistent presence throughout history.