Purnell Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Purnell originates from Old French, meaning 'strong character'. It evolved from the Latin Pernella through Old French Pernel to its modern form. The name gained popularity during the Middle Ages and is currently perceived as unique and resilient. There is no biblical relevance associated with this name.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Purnell"
Pronunciation
/pɜrˈnɛl/
Origin
Old French
Etymology
The name Purnell is derived from the Old French word 'purnel', which means 'a person who has a strong or sturdy character'. It is a variant of the name 'Pernel', which is derived from the Latin 'Pernella'.
Meaning
strong character
Language Evolution
Pernella (Latin), Pernel (Old French), Purnell (Modern English)
Historical Usage
The name Purnell became more common in English-speaking countries during the Middle Ages, particularly in the 14th and 15th centuries, as surnames began to be adopted more widely.
Variants & Derivatives
Pernel, Purnel, Purnelle
Modern Popularity & Image
Purnell is considered a unique and somewhat old-fashioned name today, often associated with strength and resilience.
Famous People
Purnell B. Puckett, an American politician, Purnell M. Sykes, an American basketball player
📊 Purnell Name Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Purnell Name Visualizations
✨ Purnell Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 21 peak births in 1919
Geographic Spread
Popular across 2 US states, with strongest presence in Maryland
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 7 different American generations with varying popularity
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Purnell"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Purnell"
"Purnell" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 3091st of 7545 | 115 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 2751st of 6773 | 140 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 2380th of 7552 | 223 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 3112th of 10718 | 170 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 6273rd of 16616 | 97 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 18006th of 24088 | 17 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 8598th of 9107 | 6 |
Regional Popularity of "Purnell" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - |
77.22% 1827th/2366 |
- |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - |
81.73% 1923rd/2353 |
- |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - |
53.38% 1523rd/2853 |
- |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - |
50.88% 1790th/3518 |
- |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity of "Purnell" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "Purnell"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Purnell" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends of "Purnell" in the United States
The name Purnell is most popular in Maryland, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Baby Boomers generation in the South region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Purnell has been stalled for male in South. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in South. Across generations, 'Purnell' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 3091st out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 2751st out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 2380th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 3112th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 6273rd out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 18006th out of 24088 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 8598th out of 9107 names. Discover how the name 'Purnell' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.