Dontrell is a masculine given name that gained currency in the United States during the late 20th century, particularly within African-American communities. As a modern coinage, it combines the established “Don”—with its connotations of “gift” in Spanish and echoes of traditional names like Donald—with the sleek suffix “-trell,” also found in variants such as Cantrell and Montrell. Usage statistics reveal a peak in the early 1990s, when over 100 newborns per year received the name, followed by a gradual decline to 19 occurrences in 2024, placing Dontrell just outside the top 900 American boys’ names. This trajectory underscores its appeal as a distinctive yet accessible option for parents seeking a name with rhythmic strength and individual flair. Pronounced don-TRELL (/dɒn.ˈtɹɛl/), Dontrell conveys both cultural innovation and a nod to tradition.
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