Harrell

Harrell is a surname of English origin that is also occasionally used as a given name. The name appears in several spelling variants, including Harrel, Harrell, Herrell, and Harrold. In onomastic sources, Harrell is often treated as a derivative or variant of surnames linked to the given name Harold, with regional spellings evolving over time.

Etymology and origins are not uniform across families, but Harrell is generally regarded as a patronymic or diminutive form connected to Harold, a name of Germanic origin meaning “army ruler.” The exact development of the name varies by locality, and some lineages may reflect habitational or occupational influences that produced similar spellings.

Geographic distribution and usage: The surname is found in England and among descendants of English-speaking emigrants. It is widely present in the United States, Canada, Australia, and other countries with historical English settlement. In the United States, Harrell has been established since colonial times and is now dispersed across many states.

Notable associations: As a family name, Harrell appears across public life in fields such as politics, academia, science, sports, and the arts. The name is also occasionally encountered as a given name, though this use is comparatively uncommon.

Toponymy: Harrell or its variants appear in place names or as components of place names in English-speaking regions, sometimes as Harrells or in names derived from families bearing the surname.

See also: Harrells, Harrel, Harrold, Herrell.