Terrell is a name of African-American origin, derived from the surname Terrell, which itself originates from the Old French word "Tirel". This name was given to those who were employed as falconers in medieval France. Falconry was a popular sport among nobility during that time.
The meaning behind the name Terrell is associated with its original occupational origin. It translates to "hawk" or "falcon", referring to the birds used in falconry. This symbolizes swiftness, power, and freedom, reflecting the characteristics of these magnificent creatures.
Historically, the use of the surname Terrell can be traced back to the 13th century in England. The name was introduced to America by early settlers who brought their family names with them. Today, it is predominantly used as a given name rather than a surname, particularly within African-American communities.
Terrell gained popularity as a given name during the mid-20th century, following the trend of giving children strong, unique names that stood out from traditional ones. It reached its peak popularity in the United States during the 1970s and has since maintained steady usage.
In conclusion, Terrell is a distinctive name with an interesting historical background and symbolic meaning. Its association with falconry adds an element of uniqueness and strength to this timeless name.
The name Terrell has seen varying popularity over the years in the United States. Between 1920 and 2008, there were a total of 1585 babies named Terrell born in the U.S.
The name first appeared on the Social Security Administration's (SSA) list of popular baby names in 1920 with five births that year. It maintained this level for two more years before dropping off the list in 1923 and not re-emerging until 1936, again with five births.
The name Terrell gained popularity throughout the 1940s, with a notable peak of 37 births in 1967. This was closely followed by another high point of 48 births in 1968. However, the popularity of the name began to decline steadily from this point onwards.
By the late 1970s and early 1980s, the number of babies named Terrell had dropped significantly, with only 22 births recorded in 1978 and 21 births in 1982. This trend continued throughout the 1990s and into the new millennium, with a notable low point of just five births each year from 2005 to 2006.
Despite its fluctuations in popularity over the decades, Terrell remains a name with historical significance in the U.S., having been given to a total of 1585 babies born between 1920 and 2008.