To say or relate; also a mound or hill
As an English word name, it relates to the act of narration or speech. It also has roots in the Arabic word 'tell' or 'tel', referring to an archaeological mound or hill created by many generations of people living and rebuilding on the same spot. In a Germanic context, it is famously associated with the legendary Swiss hero William Tell.
Less common today
Tell isn't in the latest US Top 1000. It last peaked at #5,821 in 1991.
Legendary Swiss folk hero known for his marksmanship with a crossbow
American long-distance runner and Olympic gold medalist
US births per 5-year period, 1990βpresent (SSA data).