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Home β€Ί Baby Names Directory β€Ί Darnell

Darnell

β™‚ Boy

Pronounced dar-NEL /dɑːrˈnΙ›l/High

Meaning: hidden alcove, eagle's nestMedium

In 30 seconds: Darnell is an Old French and English surname name meaning hidden alcove or from the eagle's nest. A smooth two-syllable name popular in African-American communities.
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Origin MediumOld French, Old English
Meaninghidden alcove, eagle's nest
U.S. rank (2025)#2423 β†˜ Falling
2025 U.S. births56 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year1984
Total births (all-time)β‰ˆ 28,630

Popularity in the U.S. Β· SSA data

peak 198419122025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Darnell is from Old French d'Ernele meaning from Ernele (eagle's nest) or an English place name meaning hidden alcove.

Darnell has been popular in African-American communities since the mid-20th century.

Did you know? The character Darnell Turner in That '70s Show (1998–2006) and Dean Darnell Hunt at UCLA have given Darnell both pop-culture and academic prestige.
Overall data confidence 72%
Behind the Name: Darnell β€” name etymology referenceUS Social Security Name Database β€” U.S. popularity data

Variations

Darnelle

Nicknames

Dar

Famous Bearers

  • β˜…Darnell Dockett (1981-)
    American former NFL defensive lineman
  • β˜…Darnell Nurse (1995-)
    Canadian NHL defenseman for the Edmonton Oilers
  • β˜…Darnell Mooney (1997-)
    American NFL wide receiver
  • β˜…Darnell Hillman (1949-)
    American former ABA and NBA basketball player

If you like Darnell…

Darrylβ€” similar Dar- beginning masculine name
Darrenβ€” similar Dar- beginning masculine name
Randallβ€” echoes that soft -ll sound
Tyrellβ€” shares Darnell's Old French roots
Marshallβ€” the same surname-name feel

Explore names like Darnell

By themeenglishsurname-nametwo-syllableafrican-americanold-french
By meaningBird

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Frequently Asked

What does Darnell mean?

Darnell means hidden alcove, eagle's nest.

How do you pronounce Darnell?

Darnell is pronounced dar-NEL (/dɑːrˈnΙ›l/), with 2 syllables.

Is Darnell a boy's name?

Yes, Darnell is used as a boy's name.

How popular is the name Darnell?

Old French/English surname; meaning approximate from d'Ernele.

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