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Home › Baby Names Directory › Darnelle

Darnelle

♂ Boy

Pronounced dar-NEL /dɑːrˈnɛl/Medium

Meaning: A form of Darnell, an English surname from a place name, likely 'hidden nook; secluded spot' (or from the darnel plant). The -elle ending is a modern touch.Low

In 30 seconds: Darnelle is a form of Darnell — an English surname, likely 'hidden nook' (said 'dar-NEL'). Rare and surname-style.
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Origin LowEnglish
MeaningA form of Darnell, an English surname from a place name, likely 'hidden nook; secluded spot' (or from the darnel plant). The -elle ending is a modern touch.
U.S. rank (2022)#12753 ↘ Falling
2022 U.S. births5 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year1984
Total births (all-time)≈ 362

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 198619632022

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

Darnelle is a form of the English surname Darnell, likely 'hidden nook.' It reads as a surname-style given name — extremely rare in the U.S. (said 'dar-NEL').

For boys it appears only extremely rarely, next to the more familiar Darnell. Rare, surname-style, and smooth.

Did you know? Darnelle echoes Darnell, an English surname tied to a place meaning 'hidden nook; secluded spot' — carried into given-name use with a soft -elle ending (said 'dar-NEL').
Overall data confidence 42%
References — Darnelle — Darnell form; English surname 'hidden nook'

Variations

DarnellDarnelDarnelle

Nicknames

DarNelly

Famous Bearers

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If you like Darnelle…

Darnell— the standard spelling
Cornell— a like -ell surname name
Dontrell— a like -ell name
Darrell— a like Dar- surname name

Explore names like Darnelle

By themeenglishsurname-namevariant-spellingsmooth

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Darnelle mean?

Darnelle is a form of Darnell, an English surname likely meaning 'hidden nook; secluded spot.'

How do you pronounce Darnelle?

It's said dar-NEL /dɑːrˈnɛl/ — two syllables, stress on the second.

Is Darnelle a boy or girl name?

Darnelle is used here as a boy's name.

How popular is Darnelle?

Darnelle is extremely rare in the U.S.

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