US Popularity Rank: 16360

Origin: British

Meaning: Crossbowman, defender of the castle; Charcoal; Cardinal

Carnell is a boy’s given name and surname of French and English origin. It may have originated as an occupational name for a crossbowman, deriving from the Anglo-Norman French term carnel, meaning “battlement.” Alternatively, it may be a combination of the surnames Cardinal and Carbonell. The name Cardinal refers to the church dignitary of the same name, and may have been a nickname for someone who dressed in red. Carbonell derives from the Old French word carbon, meaning “charcoal,” and was a nickname for someone with black hair or a dark complexion. The latter surname was often confused with the former, resulting in the name Carnall or Carnell. This name’s long and fascinating history makes it a great choice for baby.