Vardell is a unique and distinctive given name of English origin. Its meaning and history are tied to the Viking Age and Norse mythology.
In Old Norse, "Várðr" means "guardian," "warden," or "watchman." It is derived from the verb "várða," which translates as "to guard" or "to protect." The suffix "-ell" is a diminutive ending often found in English names of Viking origin.
The name Vardell is thought to have been brought to England by Norsemen who settled there during the Viking Age, between the late 8th century and mid-11th century. As the Vikings explored and settled various parts of Europe, they introduced their language, culture, and personal names to these regions.
While not particularly common today, Vardell has been recorded in historical documents as far back as the 13th century. For instance, a man named William Vardel is listed in the 1272 Hundred Rolls, an census record of medieval England.
In literature, Vardell appears as a character in Thomas Hardy's novel "The Return of the Native," first published in 1878. This may have contributed to its limited popularity and recognition during Victorian times.
Today, Vardell remains an uncommon but intriguing name choice for parents seeking a unique and meaningful given name for their child. Its historic ties to Viking culture and Norse mythology make it an appealing option for those interested in Scandinavian history or mythological themes.
The name Vardell experienced a steady and slow growth in popularity over the course of several decades, according to U.S. birth records analyzed by the Social Security Administration. Between 1923 and 1951, there were a total of 30 births where the newborns were given the name Vardell.
The earliest recorded year for this name was in 1923, with five babies being named Vardell that year. This number remained consistent over the next four years, with another five babies receiving the same name in 1927. However, there was a slight increase in popularity during the subsequent decade, as six babies were named Vardell both in 1931 and again in 1939.
The highest peak in popularity for this name occurred in 1951, with eight newborns being given the name Vardell. This indicates that there was a significant increase in interest in this particular name during this time period.
Despite these fluctuations in popularity over the years, it is clear that the name Vardell has remained relatively uncommon throughout its history. With only 30 total births recorded between 1923 and 1951, it can be concluded that this name was chosen for a very small percentage of newborns during those decades.
In summary, while the name Vardell has not been among the most popular choices for parents in the United States, its steady and gradual increase in popularity over time demonstrates that there has been consistent interest in this unique moniker.