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Harrell

♂ Boy

Pronounced HAIR-uhl /ˈhær.əl/Medium

Meaning: Harrell is a given-name use of an English surname, most often traced to the medieval personal name Harold (Old Norse/Old English, 'army ruler'); it entered American use as a surname-turned-first-name.Low

In 30 seconds: Harrell comes from an English surname tied to Harold — 'army ruler' (said 'HAIR-uhl'). A sturdy early-century surname-name.

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Origin LowEnglish

MeaningHarrell is a given-name use of an English surname, most often traced to the medieval personal name Harold (Old Norse/Old English, 'army ruler'); it entered American use as a surname-turned-first-name.

U.S. rank (2016)#10035 ↘ Falling

2016 U.S. births7 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1947

Total births (all-time)≈ 2,635

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

Harrell derives from an English surname generally linked to Harold, from elements meaning 'army' and 'ruler'. Like many family surnames, it became a first name in early-twentieth-century America.

Harrell saw modest use from the early nineteen-hundreds, cresting around mid-century, and is now uncommon; it reads as a heritage surname-name carried down through families.

Did you know? Harrell is a widespread American surname, especially in the South, and its move into first-name use often honored a family name in the early twentieth-century.

Overall data confidence 50%

References — Harrell — English surname, likely from Harold

Variations

HaroldHarrelHarel

Nicknames

Harry

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If you like Harrell…

Harold— the medieval name Harrell is linked to

Farrell— a like Irish surname-name of the same shape

Darrell— another -rrell surname-name of the era

Hartwell— a similarly popular pick

Kendall— the same surname-name feel

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Harrell mean?

Harrell comes from an English surname, most often traced to Harold, meaning 'army ruler'.

How do you pronounce Harrell?

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

Is Harrell a boy or girl name?

Harrell is used as a boy's name.

How popular is Harrell?

Harrell is an uncommon surname-name most common in the early-to-mid twentieth century.