Names Ending in L for Boys

Murl is an uncommon masculine name with American roots, possibly originating as a variant of Merle or Muriel. Dating back to the early 20th century in the United States, Murl experienced modest popularity during the 1910s-1930s, particularly in rural communities across the Midwest and Southern states. The name has a straightforward, no-nonsense quality typical of early American naming patterns that favored short, strong-sounding names. Murl has steadily declined in usage since the mid-20th century, now considered a vintage rarity. The name's brevity and distinctive sound make it memorable, though its rarity means most people won't have personal associations with it.

Murl

Arvel is a masculine name with varied origins. Some sources connect it to Old Norse elements, possibly derived from 'arr' meaning 'eagle' combined with 'valdr' meaning 'ruler.' Others suggest it may be a variant of Arvid, meaning 'eagle tree' or 'eagle wood.' In some regions, Arvel is considered a diminutive form of Arvell or a variant of Orville. The name has remained relatively uncommon throughout history, experiencing brief periods of minor usage in the United States during the early 20th century. Arvel carries a rustic, somewhat old-fashioned charm while maintaining distinctive character. Its rarity makes it an uncommon choice for modern parents, though it appeals to those seeking a name with historical depth and unique quality.

Arvel

Mearl is a masculine name with roots as a variant of Merle or Merrill. Originating from Old French, the name is derived from 'merle' meaning 'blackbird.' It may also have connections to the Latin 'maris' meaning 'of the sea.' Mearl enjoyed modest popularity in the United States during the early 20th century, particularly in rural communities, but has since become quite rare. The name carries associations with nature and often evokes a rustic, vintage charm. Some may view Mearl as a distinctive alternative to more common names like Merle or Earl, offering a similar sound but with a unique spelling.

Mearl

Arvil is a masculine name with possible roots in several traditions. It may be a variation of Arvil, which itself could derive from Old Norse elements meaning "eagle" and "wolf," symbolizing strength and courage. Alternatively, it might be connected to April or the Latin term "arvum" meaning "plowed land." The name has maintained limited but consistent usage, particularly in rural American communities during the early to mid-20th century. With its short, strong sound and rare status, Arvil offers a distinctive vintage quality that stands apart from more common names. Its brief popularity peaked in the 1920s-1930s, though it remains an uncommon choice that carries a certain rustic charm.

Arvil

Virgel is a masculine name that appears to be a variant spelling of Virgil, which has Latin origins in the name 'Vergilius.' The classical association with the renowned Roman poet Virgil (70-19 BCE), author of the 'Aeneid,' gives the name a literary and intellectual quality. This spelling variation emerged primarily in the American South and rural communities during the 19th and early 20th centuries, reflecting regional pronunciation patterns. While never extremely common, the name saw modest use in the United States through the mid-20th century before declining in popularity. Virgel conveys a sense of classical education and rural simplicity simultaneously, making it an interesting name that bridges different cultural worlds.

Virgel

Wardell originated as an English surname derived from the Old English place name 'weard-hyll,' meaning 'watch hill' or 'guard hill.' It references a hill where guards or watchmen were stationed. The transition from surname to given name follows a common pattern in American naming practices, particularly prominent in the early to mid-20th century. Wardell experienced modest popularity as a first name in the United States from the 1920s through the 1950s, with usage declining afterward. The name gained some recognition through notable individuals like basketball player Wardell Stephen Curry (better known as Stephen Curry). As with many surname-to-first-name transitions, Wardell represents the American tradition of repurposing family names as given names.

Wardell

Ezell has origins as a surname before transitioning to use as a given name, a common pattern in American naming traditions. The surname Ezell likely derives from a Germanic personal name Etzel (a diminutive of names containing the element 'adal' meaning 'noble') or potentially from a place name. As a given name, Ezell has historical usage dating back to the early 20th century in the United States, with modest but consistent usage over decades. It shares phonetic similarities with biblical names like Ezekiel but has a distinct etymology. The name has remained relatively uncommon, which may contribute to its appeal for parents seeking traditional-sounding names outside the mainstream. Its continued usage demonstrates how surnames can maintain longevity as given names once they enter the naming pool.

Ezell

This title name definitely makes a statement. Will Admiral fit in with the Saints, Kings, and Knights joining the playground?

Admiral

Goebel is a masculine name of Germanic origin, primarily found as a surname before occasionally transitioning to first-name usage. Derived from Middle High German 'goebel,' meaning 'godly' or possibly related to 'gabi' (gift), the name carries connotations of divine blessing. Extremely rare as a first name in the United States, Goebel peaked in limited usage during the early 20th century, possibly influenced by the popular Goebel porcelain company. The name maintains a distinctive Old World European character that appeals to parents seeking unique names with historical depth. Its unusual sound pattern makes it a standout choice, though its rarity may present pronunciation challenges.

Goebel

Ancil is a rare masculine name with multiple possible origins. It may derive from Anselm, a Germanic name meaning 'God's helmet' or 'divine protection,' or from Ancell, a diminutive of Anselm. Alternatively, it could connect to Latin 'ancilla' meaning 'servant' or be a variant of Ancelot, a French diminutive of Ancel. Popular briefly in the early 20th century in America, Ancil has since become quite uncommon. The name carries a vintage charm with its soft consonants and crisp ending. Notable bearers include American folk artist Ancil Goodman and baseball player Ancil Hoffman. With its short, distinctive sound and historical roots, Ancil offers a rare alternative to more common short masculine names.

Ancil

Briefly used as a male name in the early 20th century. Doll is a surname with a variety of origins and meanings, some more desirable than others.

Doll

Myrl is an uncommon masculine name that appears to be a variant of Merle or Merrill. The name has Germanic origins, derived from elements meaning 'famous' (meri) and 'sea, lake' (mari). Alternatively, it may relate to the French word 'merle,' meaning blackbird. Myrl enjoyed modest popularity in the United States during the early 20th century but has since become quite rare. The distinctive spelling with 'y' gives it a unique quality while maintaining the familiar sound. Myrl has a concise, strong phonetic quality with its single syllable, appealing to those who prefer brief, straightforward names. It carries a somewhat vintage or rural American character, evoking the early to mid-1900s when it was more commonly used, particularly in midwestern and southern regions.

Myrl

Verl is a masculine name with Germanic origins, likely a shortened form of names containing the element 'ver-' meaning 'true' or 'faithful.' It may also be related to the German word 'Perle' meaning 'pearl.' Verl gained modest popularity in the United States during the early to mid-20th century, particularly in rural communities and Midwestern states. The name has a straightforward, no-nonsense quality that appealed to families seeking traditional masculine names. Today, Verl is considered vintage or rare, having declined in usage since the 1950s. Its short, strong sound and simplicity might appeal to parents looking for uncommon traditional names with historical roots but without elaborate spelling or pronunciation.

Verl

Hershell is a masculine name of Germanic origin, considered a variant spelling of Herschel. The name ultimately derives from the Yiddish 'Hershel,' a diminutive of 'Hersh' (deer), or from the German 'Hirsch' with the same meaning. Hershell gained modest recognition in the United States during the early to mid-20th century but has since declined in popularity. The name carries associations with astronomy through Sir William Herschel, the famed astronomer who discovered Uranus. Hershell has a warm, vintage quality that reflects its era of peak usage, though the spelling with double 'l' is less common than Herschel. The name suggests strength and dignity while maintaining a friendly, approachable character.

Hershell

Council is an uncommon male name with English origins that functions as a word name. It derives from the Latin 'concilium,' meaning 'assembly' or 'meeting.' In everyday usage, a council refers to a group of people who come together to consult, deliberate, or make decisions. As a personal name, Council evokes associations with wisdom, leadership, and community governance. While extremely rare as a first name in contemporary usage, it has occasionally appeared historically, particularly in American naming records. Council might appeal to parents seeking a distinctively unusual name with connotations of authority and thoughtful deliberation. The name carries a formal, dignified quality that sets it apart from more conventional choices.

Council

Ardell is a gender-neutral name that has historically been more common for males in the United States. It likely developed as a variant of Ardel or Ardal, which have roots in Gaelic meaning 'high valor' or could be connected to place names. Some linguistic scholars suggest connections to Old English elements meaning 'eagle valley.' The name experienced modest popularity in America during the early to mid-20th century but has since become quite uncommon. Ardell carries a vintage quality that aligns with the revival of other names from this era. Its soft sound combined with strong meaning gives it a gentle yet dignified character. The name may also call to mind the well-known false eyelash brand, though this commercial association is relatively recent compared to the name's history.

Ardell

Othel is a masculine name with Germanic origins, possibly derived from ancient Germanic elements meaning 'ancestral inheritance' or 'homeland.' It bears similarities to names like Othello and Ethel, though with its own distinctive character. Relatively rare in modern usage, Othel has an old-world quality that might appeal to parents seeking uncommon vintage names. The name has a soft yet dignified sound, with the 'th' consonant blend giving it a thoughtful, gentle impression. While never achieving widespread popularity, Othel has historical usage particularly in Southern United States regions. The name carries connotations of heritage, tradition, and quiet strength, making it an intriguing choice for those drawn to names with historical depth.

Othel

Burnell had some life as a first name in the early decades of the 20th century. Today, a handful of baby boys are still given the name, perhaps in honor of one of its famous bearers.

Burnell

Derl is an uncommon masculine name with American roots, likely emerging as a shortened form of names like Darrell or as a variant of Darl. This short, single-syllable name gained modest usage in the United States during the early to mid-20th century but remains quite rare today. With its brief, straightforward structure, Derl has a certain rural American charm that evokes mid-century simplicity. The name has never been in the popular rankings and is most commonly found in rural areas, particularly in the American South and Midwest. Its simplicity and rarity appeal to parents seeking an uncommon, unpretentious name with a distinctively American character and straightforward pronunciation.

Derl

Jerrel is a masculine name that appears to be a variant spelling of Jerrell, which itself is likely a diminutive form of the name Jerome. Jerome derives from the Greek name Hieronymos, meaning "sacred name." Jerrel emerged in usage during the mid-20th century in the United States. The name has maintained modest but consistent usage over the decades, never reaching extremely high popularity rankings. Like many names with multiple spelling variations (such as Jerrell, Jerel, and Jerell), Jerrel has seen fluctuating usage patterns across different communities. The name has a distinctive sound that combines traditional elements with a more contemporary spelling pattern, potentially appealing to parents seeking a somewhat familiar yet distinctive name for their sons.

Jerrel

Boy names ending in the letter L L are plentiful and wonderful.

Michael is the 

 alone include Daniel, Samuel, Gabriel, Ezekiel, Axel, and Angel.

unique boy names that end with the letter L

 that we'd recommend include Abel, Ansel, Dashiell, Liionel, and Rafael.



Here are all Nameberry’s boy names that end with the letter L, ordered by popularity on Nameberry.

Boy Names That End with L, including top L-ending male names and uncommon boy names ending in the letter L, with meanings, origins, and popularity. (Page 159)