Little brown one or small brook
Burnell is derived from the Old French word 'brunel', a diminutive of 'brun' meaning brown, likely referring to hair or complexion. It may also have roots in the English word 'burn', meaning a small stream or brook. Historically used as a surname, it transitioned to a given name in the 19th century.
Less common today
Burnell isn't in the latest US Top 1000. It last peaked at #3,637 in 1990.
US births per 5-year period, 1990–present (SSA data).
American professional football player
American singer and American Idol finalist
