Last Name Darnell

The surname "Darnell" has English origins. It is derived from the medieval given name "Dernell," which itself originated from the Old French name "Darnel." The name "Darnell" is believed to come from the words "darne" or "danne," meaning "hidden" or "obscure," and "el," which is a variation of the word "hēah" or "high" in Old English. Over time, the spelling of the surname has evolved, resulting in the modern variation "Darnell."

Learn more about the origin of the last name Darnell

The meaning and origin of the last name Darnell

The surname Darnell has both English and French origins. The English meaning of the name is believed to be derived from the Old French word "darnel," which refers to a type of weed (Lolium temulentum) that grows in grain fields. It is possible that the name was originally given to someone who lived near such fields or worked as a farmer. The French origin of the name suggests that it could also be a variation of D'Agnel, which means "of the lamb" or "from the lamb" in French. This could have been a symbolic or occupational surname given to someone associated with sheep farming. Over time, the pronunciation and spelling variations of the name have led to different branches and forms of the surname, including Darnall and Darnel. Today, individuals with the surname Darnell can be found in both England and France, as well as other English-speaking countries due to immigration and global movement.

Geographical distribution of the last name Darnell

The last name "Darnell" is relatively common in various parts of the English-speaking world, with a notable concentration in the United States. In terms of geographical distribution, the name can be found across many states in the U.S., but it appears to be more prevalent in certain regions. Historically, Darnell has strong ties to the southern states such as Kentucky, Tennessee, and Arkansas, where it originated. Over time, however, families bearing the name have migrated to different parts of the country, resulting in a wider distribution. Today, significant populations of Darnells can also be found in states like California, Texas, Illinois, and Ohio, among others. Moreover, due to global migration patterns, Darnell can also be found in other English-speaking countries, including Canada and the United Kingdom. While the exact demographics and concentrations may vary, the geographical distribution of the last name Darnell primarily reflects its roots in the southern United States while also extending to other regions where families have settled.

Variants and spellings of the last name Darnell

The last name Darnell can have several variations and spellings. One common variation is Darnel, dropping the extra "l." Another variation is Darnall, which adds an extra consonant at the end. Other possible spellings include Darnelle, Darnelley, and Darnel. The origins of the name can be traced back to England, where it was derived from the Old French word "darnel," meaning a type of weedy grass. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the name may have been influenced by regional dialects or individual preferences. Therefore, individuals with the last name Darnell may find that their family spelling differs from others with the same surname. Despite the various spellings and variations, the name Darnell still carries a strong sense of identity and heritage for those who bear it.

Famous people with the last name Darnell

There are several famous individuals who share the last name Darnell. One notable figure is Linda Darnell, an American film actress who achieved success during Hollywood's Golden Age. Born in 1923, Darnell appeared in numerous films throughout the 1940s and 1950s, such as "Forever Amber" and "My Darling Clementine," gaining popularity for her beauty and talent as an actress. Another well-known Darnell is Eric Darnell, an American film director, screenwriter, and animator. He co-directed the animated franchise "Madagascar" and worked on other successful films like "Antz" and "Penguins of Madagascar." With his contributions to the world of animation, Darnell has undoubtedly left a mark on popular culture. Both Linda and Eric Darnell have made significant contributions in their respective fields, capturing the hearts of audiences worldwide.

Genealogical research on the last name Darnell

The last name Darnell has rich roots in English history. It is derived from the medieval given name Darnel, which itself was derived from the Old French word "darne," meaning "hidden" or "secret." The surname Darnell first appears in written records in the early 13th century. Over time, branches of the Darnell family spread throughout various regions of England, including Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire, and London. In the 17th century, members of the Darnell family migrated to the American colonies, particularly the Virginia and Maryland regions, where they became prominent landowners and influential figures in colonial society. Notable individuals with the last name Darnell include John Darnall, a prominent landowner and politician in colonial Maryland, and Clara Darnell, a British actress who gained recognition in the early 20th century. Today, the Darnell surname is still found in both the United States and the United Kingdom, reminding us of the enduring legacy of this fascinating family name.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Darnell"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 April 2025

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