Surname Darnall - Meaning and Origin
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Darnall: What does the surname Darnall mean?
The surname Darnall is of English origin and is believed to be geographical, derived from a place called Darnall in Yorkshire. The place name Darnall itself is made up of two Old English words - 'derne', meaning 'hidden' or 'secret', and 'halh', meaning 'nook' or 'corner'. So, the surname Darnall could be interpreted as 'from the hidden corner'. Surnames based on geographical locations were often given to individuals or families who migrated from one place to another, as a means to identify their place of origin. It's also possible that this surname was given to someone who lived near a hidden or secluded spot. Like many other surnames, Darnall has experienced a variety of spellings over the years, including Darnell, Darnhill, Dernel and Darnel. Many individuals with the surname Darnall can be found in the United States and England, with a smaller population scattered across other countries.
Order DNA origin analysisDarnall: Where does the name Darnall come from?
The last name Darnall is of English origin. It originates from a place called Darnall in West Riding, Yorkshire, England. The place's name itself is derived from the Old English term "derne", meaning hidden or secret, and "halh", which means corner or nook. So, the original meaning could be something along the lines of 'a hidden or secluded place.'
Records of the Darnall surname can be traced back to the 12th century in England, and it was significantly proliferated due to migration, the expansion of the British empire, and the colonial influence in different parts of the world.
Today, it is most common in the United States, but it also exists in smaller numbers in England, Canada, and Australia. The US states with the highest number of individuals with the Darnall surname include Texas, Kentucky, Illinois, and California. It is less common and can be considered relatively rare as a surname in comparison to other names.
Variations of the surname Darnall
The surname Darnall could have several variations and spellings which may include Darnell, Darnhall, Darnal, Darnel, Darnill, Darnol, Darnoll, and Darnull. The variations could exist due to different dialects, accents, and regional language influences where the name might have been used or originated.
The surname Darnall might have originated from Old English words "dierne" meaning "hidden" or "secret" and "halh" meaning "nook" or "recess". It could also be a locational surname derived from places named Darnall in Yorkshire, England. Although these surnames originated from a common root, they might not necessarily suggest kinship as surnames in the past would often be given based on a person's occupation, location, or characteristic.
Other surnames that are likely from the same origin, but underwent more significant changes over time or due to regional language influences, might include Darnley, Darnley, and possibly Durnell or Durnall. These variations, however, are more speculative and less directly connected to Darnall. Please note, these are broad assumptions and individual lineage and genealogy might vary.
In the US, the name Darnell is much more common than Darnall, but both exist and have been used for several centuries.
Famous people with the name Darnall
- Linda Darnell: A renowned American actress known for her roles in Hollywood films during the 1940s and 1950s.
- Nicholas Darnell: A prominent director who worked on popular animation shows such as "Monster Rancher" and "Medabots".
- Henry Darnall: A planter and politician in the Province of Maryland who served as the Proprietary Agent of Charles Calvert, 3rd Baron Baltimore. His grandson would be the 4th Proprietary Governor of Maryland.
- Lois Darnell: An American author who wrote the novel "Island Enchantment".
- Anne Darnall: Although not as popular as others, she was a Broadway actress that acted in plays such as "The Firebrand".
- Richard D. Darnall: A noteworthy person in the railroad industry, particularly as an executive for the Union Pacific Railroad.
- Hayden Darnall: A music producer, well-known for working on songs for famous artists like Beyoncé and Miley Cyrus.