Wardell

Wardell Origin and Meaning

The name Wardell is a boy's name.

Wardell originated as an English surname derived from the Old English place name 'weard-hyll,' meaning 'watch hill' or 'guard hill.' It references a hill where guards or watchmen were stationed. The transition from surname to given name follows a common pattern in American naming practices, particularly prominent in the early to mid-20th century. Wardell experienced modest popularity as a first name in the United States from the 1920s through the 1950s, with usage declining afterward. The name gained some recognition through notable individuals like basketball player Wardell Stephen Curry (better known as Stephen Curry). As with many surname-to-first-name transitions, Wardell represents the American tradition of repurposing family names as given names.

Wardell Rank in US Top 1000

# 956 in the US

Famous People Named Wardell

• Wardell Raymond Cheeks aka Ray Cash American rapper
• Wardell Edwin "Ward" Bond American actor
• (Wardell) Stephen "Steph" Curry II American basketball player
• Wardell Stephen "Dell" Curry American basketball player, father of Steph Curry
• Wardell Joseph Quezergue American composer
• Wardell Gray American jazz tenor saxophonist
• Wardell Baxter Pomeroy American sexologist; co,author with Alfred C. Kinsey
• Theo Wardell Spielberg American musician of duo Wardell; son of director Steven Spielberg