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Home › Baby Names Directory › Farrell

Farrell

♂ Boy

Pronounced FAIR-uhl /ˈfɛr.əl/Medium

Meaning: Farrell is an Irish surname turned given name, from O Fearghail, 'man of valor' or 'hero' (from fear, 'man,' and gal, 'valor; courage'). It carries Irish heritage.Medium

In 30 seconds: An Irish surname-name: Farrell means 'man of valor' or 'hero' (said 'FAIR-uhl').
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Origin MediumIrish
MeaningFarrell is an Irish surname turned given name, from O Fearghail, 'man of valor' or 'hero' (from fear, 'man,' and gal, 'valor; courage'). It carries Irish heritage.
U.S. rank (2024)#12856 ↘ Falling
2024 U.S. births5 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year1935
Total births (all-time)≈ 4,355

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 193519022024

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

Farrell is an Irish surname turned given name, from O Fearghail, 'man of valor' or 'hero.' Long borne as a family name across Ireland, it reads today as a rugged, heritage first name (said 'FAIR-uhl').

In the U.S. it is uncommon as a given name. Uncommon, Irish, and strong.

Did you know? Farrell comes from the Irish O Fearghail — 'man of valor' — a surname of courage carried into first-name use, noted here with its heritage (said 'FAIR-uhl').
Overall data confidence 55%
References — Farrell — Irish O Fearghail; 'man of valor; hero'

Variations

FarrelFerrellFarel

Nicknames

FarRell

Famous Bearers

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If you like Farrell…

Finnegan— a fellow Irish surname-style pick
Donnell— a like Irish -ell name
Cassidy— a similar Irish surname name
Niall— lands in the same popularity range
Connell— shares the -ll ending

Explore names like Farrell

By themeheritageirishsurnamestrong
By meaningGift / BlessingBrave / Courage

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Farrell mean?

Farrell is an Irish surname name from O Fearghail, meaning 'man of valor' or 'hero.'

How do you pronounce Farrell?

It's said FAIR-uhl /ˈfɛr.əl/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Farrell a boy or girl name?

Farrell is used as a boy's name.

How popular is Farrell?

Farrell is an uncommon name in the U.S.

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