Darius

“to possess good” — Associated with males

Persia origin · Unisex name

♂ 99% boys♀ 1% girls

#728US 2023

365Births / yr

↓Falling

52.4kAll-time births

📅 Since 196500

How to pronounce Darius

der·EYE·us

/dɝ.ˈaɪ.əs/ · stress on EYE · 3 syllables

“to possess good”

Associated with males · Persia origin

What does Darius mean and where does it come from?

The name Darius originates from the Persian name Dārayavahush (داريوش) which means 'he who holds firm the good'. It is often historically noted as the name of several kings of Persia, notably Darius I who ruled from 522 B.C. to 486 B.C. However, the name is predominantly associated with males. Its f

Cultural significance

Darius has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Persia-speaking communities, where it reflects values of to possess good.

Peak popularity

Reached #4370 in 1989 — currently #728 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Darius?

Darius works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Darius Grace

How popular is Darius right now?

Declining — down 50 spots — currently #728 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1965–2023#728 · Top 0.54%

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#728	365	▼ down 50 · -9% births
2022	#678	402	▼ down 42 · -7% births
2021	#636	434	▲ up 15854 · +8580% births
2005	#16490	5	▼ down 3315 · -17% births
2000	#13175	6	▼ down 7203 · -60% births
1995	#5972	15	▲ up 1929 · +50% births
1990	#7901	10	▲ up 451 · +43% births
1985	#8352	7	▼ down 2008 · -30% births
1980	#6344	10	▲ up 1674 · +67% births
1975	#8018	6	▼ down 923
1970	#7095	6	▼ down 519 · +20% births
1965	#6576	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Darius

Best Year2021Rank #636

Peak Count434

Average Rank#6830

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1965 - 202312 years

The story of Darius

Darius is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1965. A total of 52,362 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #6576 in 1965 to #728 in 2023. Darius is used for both genders: 1% female and 99% male.

Names that peaked alongside Darius in 1989:

Jessica Ashley Brittany Amanda Sarah

Darius by decade

Darius peaked in the 1980s. See all 1980s names →

Decade	Births
1880s	22
1890s	10
1910s	128
1920s	178
1930s	170
1940s	252
1950s	586
1960s	1,353
1970s	3,179
1980s	7,269
1990s ★	19,768
2000s	12,461
2010s	6,524
2020s	462

What are good nicknames for Darius?

POLISH

Darek

BELARUSIAN

Darya

CROATIAN

DariaDarijaDarinka

CZECH

DarinaDarja

What names sound and feel like Darius?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Darius also consider these

Darrius

American · Latin

Damius

Latin · Domitianus - Tamed.

Darieus

Persia · possessing goodness

Dalius

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Danius

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Davius

American · beloved

Darijus

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Garius

Latin · Latin

How is Darius written in other languages?

Common questions about the name Darius

What does the name Darius mean?

Darius means "to possess good" — a name rooted in Persia tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Darius?

Darius is currently ranked #728 as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.

What is the cultural origin of Darius?

Darius originates from Persia tradition. Persia names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How do you pronounce the name Darius?

Darius is a three-syllable name pronounced D ER0 AY1 AH0 S. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

What sibling names go well with Darius?

Darius pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Persia heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.