Little Peter; stone
Derived from Pernel, a medieval contracted form of Petronilla, which is the feminine diminutive of the Latin name Petrus. It eventually became a common English surname before being used as a masculine given name.
Less common today
Parnell isn't in the latest US Top 1000. It last peaked at #3,339 in 1990.
US births per 5-year period, 1990–present (SSA data).
Irish nationalist politician and leader of the Home Rule Movement
American actor known for his role in the television series Bonanza
American baseball third baseman in the Negro Leagues
