Ladell
Primarily a boy's name of African origin with 1,023 recorded births. Also given to 433 girls.
Meaning & Origin
Parents who choose Ladell tend to be looking for something that feels real but not common — a name with 1,023 recorded births and a peak of 20 in 1969, enough history to feel legitimate without being ordinary.
The sharp, distinct ending gives Ladell a direct, strong feel that works well in both playground and boardroom.
Ladell is not in the current top 1,000 boy names nationally, making it an uncommon choice — though your state or community may differ.
Ladell is a boy's and girl's baby name of African origin, a creative name combining the prefix La- with Dell — from the Old English dell meaning 'small valley' — or possibly a phonetic variant of Odell. The La- prefix transforms the English topographic term into something rhythmically distinctive and culturally personal.
Ladell was most common in Southern American communities — both African-American and white — in the early to mid-20th century, where it carries the distinctive, slightly formal quality of a name built from familiar elements into something entirely its own.
EtymologyShow more
In the American context, Ladell is a boy's name with over a century of recorded use (1913–2022). Its African roots connect it to a broader naming tradition, but in practice, American usage often reshapes names — adding nicknames, shifting pronunciation, and building new associations that diverge from the original cultural context.
Though no longer in the top 1,000, Ladell’s 1,023 recorded births mean it has left a mark. Every name carries the accumulated identity of the people who have worn it — and Ladell has decades of that history.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Ladell has 96+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1913.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Avg Rank | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 11 | #12472 | ▼ |
| 2010s | 60 | #10060 | ▼ |
| 2000s | 91 | #7628 | ▼ |
| 1990s | 144 | #4462 | ▲ |
| 1980s | 128 | #3799 | ▼ |
| 1970s | 143 | #2823 | ▲ |
| 1960s | 127 | #2519 | ▲ |
| 1950s | 106 | #2696 | ▲ |
| 1940s | 83 | #2677 | ▲ |
| 1930s | 72 | #2971 | ▲ |
| 1920s | 33 | #3782 | ▲ |
| 1910s | 25 | #3488 | — |
The Story of Ladell
A Gen X name
Peaking in 1969, Ladell is a Gen X staple. Boys named Ladell are most likely born between 1959 and 1979.
How rare is Ladell?
With 1,023 total births on record, Ladell remains a rare and distinctive pick.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1913, grew steadily over the decades, peaked in the 1990s with 144 births that decade, and has since become a rare, vintage choice.
Ladell by the numbers
- Would fill 21 school buses
- Meeting one Ladell per day would take 2.8 years
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(96 years, 1913–2022)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 6 | #11688 |
| 2021 | 5 | #13256 |
| 2018 | 5 | #13315 |
| 2017 | 6 | #11582 |
| 2016 | 7 | #10291 |
| 2015 | 10 | #7813 |
| 2013 | 8 | #9296 |
| 2012 | 9 | #8577 |
| 2011 | 7 | #10304 |
| 2010 | 8 | #9305 |
| 2009 | 14 | #6299 |
| 2008 | 9 | #8716 |
| 2007 | 9 | #8633 |
| 2006 | 12 | #6718 |
| 2005 | 7 | #9703 |
| 2004 | 7 | #9524 |
| 2003 | 12 | #6094 |
| 2002 | 11 | #6343 |
| 2000 | 10 | #6623 |
| 1999 | 15 | #4674 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Ladell as a Girl's Name
Though more common for boys, Ladell has a notable history as a girl's name too, with 433 births since 1915.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ladell a boy's or girl's name?
When was Ladell most popular?
How popular is the name Ladell?
Can Ladell be used for both boys and girls?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1913–2022