Combination of Don and the suffix -trell
An American creative coinage likely formed by combining the name Don (meaning 'world ruler') with the popular rhythmic suffix -trell. It emerged in the mid-20th century as part of a trend of inventing unique names within African American communities.
Less common today
Dontrell isn't in the latest US Top 1000. It last peaked at #1,012 in 1990.
US births per 5-year period, 1990–present (SSA data).
Major League Baseball pitcher known as 'The D-Train'
NFL running back
Subject of a high-profile civil rights legal case
