Jarrell is a unique and distinctive male given name of English origin. Its meaning and history are not as widely known or documented as some other names, which makes it all the more intriguing.
The name Jarrell is thought to have evolved from the English surname Jarrel, which itself has its roots in Old French. The Old French word "jarre" means "large earthenware jar," suggesting that the name may have originated as an occupational surname for a potter or someone involved in the making or selling of pottery.
Over time, Jarrell transitioned from being a surname to a given name. It is believed to have been used as a first name since at least the 17th century, though it remained relatively rare until recent decades. Today, Jarrell is still not one of the most common names, which helps it retain its distinctive and unique character.
One notable figure with the name Jarrell is American musician Jarrett Jack Abraham, better known by his stage name Jarreau Williams or simply Jarreau. Born in 1953, he was a Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, and percussionist who gained international fame in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Despite its limited historical documentation, the name Jarrell carries with it a sense of mystery and uniqueness that is appealing to many. Its connection to the earthy, rustic image of pottery also gives it a certain groundedness and practicality. For those who choose the name Jarrell for their child or themselves, they are likely drawn to its distinctive sound and limited prevalence, making it a standout choice among more common names.
The name Jarrell has been given to babies born in the United States for over a century, with the earliest recorded birth occurring in 1913. Between that year and 2023, there have been a total of 4,190 births registered.
The popularity of the name Jarrell fluctuated significantly throughout the 20th century. It started with a few births each year, ranging from just 5 in 1925 to a peak of 27 births in 1937. This trend continued until the late 1960s when the number of Jarrell births began to rise steadily.
The 1980s marked a significant turning point for the name's popularity. In 1984, there were 89 births, more than doubling the previous year's figure of 35. This was followed by even greater numbers in subsequent years: 157 births in 1985, 172 births in 1987, and peaks of 156 births each in 1988 and 1989.
However, the popularity of Jarrell began to decline from the early 1990s. After a peak of 129 births in 1992, the number of annual births decreased steadily, reaching a low of 13 births in 2023.
Despite this recent decrease in popularity, the name Jarrell has a rich history and continues to be given to babies born in the United States. Its varying levels of popularity over time reflect the ever-changing tastes and preferences of parents when it comes to naming their children.