| Meaning | hidden nook |
| Origin | English |
| Gender | Boy |
| Popularity | Moderate |
| Length | 7 |
| Syllables | 2 |
| Syllabification | Dar-nell |
Rich with character and vintage appeal, Darnell has weathered changing naming trends while maintaining its distinctive identity and cultural significance. This name possesses a smooth, rolling quality created by the balanced interplay of consonants and vowels, resulting in effortless pronunciation and melodic sound. Darnell carries associations with warmth, reliability, and strength—attributes that serve a child well throughout various life stages. The name's two-syllable structure provides substantiality without complexity, and its clear phonetic spelling eliminates confusion about pronunciation or written form. Parents choosing Darnell often appreciate names with established histories rather than fleeting trendiness, preferring time-tested options that won't feel dated in future decades. The name works across generations, suitable for both a young child and a respected elder, demonstrating the timeless quality every enduring name requires.
| Darnel |
| Darnall |
| Darnelius |
| Darnald |
| Darnellus |
| Dar |
| Darny |
| Nell |
| Nelly |
| D.N. |
| Darnell Nurse | Canadian professional hockey player |
| Darnell McDonald | American former professional baseball player |
| Darnell Hillman | American former professional basketball player |
| Darnell Jackson | American former professional basketball player |
| Darnell Coles | American former professional baseball player and coach |
| Darnell Mee | English professional footballer |
| Darnell Stapleton | American former professional football player |
| Darnell Kennedy | Canadian former professional football player |
| Darnell Williams | American actor |
| Darnell Autry | American former professional football player |
| Darnell Dockett | American former professional football player |
| Darnell Mooney | American professional football player |
| Darnell Savage Jr. | American professional football player |
| Darnell Mayberry | American sportswriter |
| Darnell Smith | American professional wrestler known as "Smith James" |
| Darnell Bing | American former professional football player |
| Darnell Jeffries | American former professional basketball player |
| Darnell Clash | American former professional basketball player |
| Darnell Valentine | American former professional basketball player |
| Darnell Turner | A character from the TV show "My Name Is Earl" |
| Darnell Wilkes | A character from the TV show "The Parkers" |
| Darnell McDowell | A character from the TV show "NYPD Blue" |
| Darnell Washington | A character from the TV show "The First Family" |
| Darnell Johnson | A character from the TV show "Power" |
| Darnell Sims | A character from the TV show "Insecure" |
| Darnell Morris | A character from the TV show "Everybody Hates Chris" |