Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Terrell

Terrell is the transferred use of an English surname originating as a nickname. Terrell is most likely derived from the Old French “tirel” from the verb “tirer” meaning “to pull’. Tirel was a medieval moniker for an obstinate horse or animal who “pulled” on the reins, and eventually it developed into a human nickname for a stubborn person. Tyrell is the Irish form of this nickname-turned-surname. The English variant, Terrell, was notably born by Mary Church Terrell (1863-1954), an early African-American civil rights activist and one of the first Black women to earn a college degree. Tyrell and Terrell became popular masculine names within the African-American community; perhaps parents are paying homage to this out-spoken turn-of-the-century Black heroine.

All About the Baby Name – Terrell

Personality

OF THE BOY NAME TERRELL

The number Nine personality represents the completion or ending of the cycle, and a need for perfection. This is the personality that moves from "self" to a greater understanding and compassion for the human condition and the world order. They want to make the world a better place. Nines are capable of great spiritual and humanitarian achievements. They are courageous and fearless, able to fight great battles on behalf of worthy causes. These personalities will not tolerate injustice. They are compassionate people with a strong sensitivity to others. They are able to both educate and inspire. Friendships and relationships are the lifeblood to the Nine, and they place a high value on love and affection. Nines are often exceptionally gifted artistically, and they have a keen imagination and enterprising mind.

Popularity

OF THE BOY NAME TERRELL

As a masculine given name in the United States, Terrell dates back much farther on the charts than Tyrell (by about 50 years, actually). First appearing in the very early years of the 20th century, Terrell finally grabbed hold of the charts by the 1930s. The name showed moderate popularity and then really took off in the 1970s and 80s when African-Americans adopted the name as a particular favorite (like Tyrell). Consider football great Terrell Owens (born in 1973); or the Denver Bronco’s all-time leading rusher Terrell Davis (b. 1972); or, more recently, 2011’s Defensive Player of the Year Terrell Suggs of the Baltimore Ravens (b. 1982). In fact there are quite a few sports stars that share the name Terrell. Perhaps it’s that “stubborn” nature of theirs to win. Terrell and Tyrell are both great choices, especially for baby boys born under the “stubborn” sun signs of Aries and Taurus.

Quick Facts

ON TERRELL

GENDER:

Boy

ORIGIN:

African-American

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

2

RANKING POPULARITY:

721

PRONUNCIATION:

tə-REL

SIMPLE MEANING:

Stubborn (to pull)

Characteristics

OF TERRELL

Multi-talented

Intuitive

Oneness

Idealistic

Philanthropy

Independent

Perfection

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Terrell

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME TERRELL

We cannot find any significant literary characters by the name of Terrell

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME TERRELL

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Terrell


Popular Songs

ON TERRELL

We cannot find any popular or well-known songs with the name of Terrell


Famous People

NAMED TERRELL

Terrell Owens (football player)
Terrell Davis (football player)
Terrell Brandon (basketball player)
Terrell Buckley (football player)
Terrell Phillips (musician)
Terrell Suggs (football player)
Terrell Thomas (football player)

Children of Famous People

NAMED TERRELL

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Terrell

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME TERRELL

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Terrell