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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Related Reading
Persia-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →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
Most popular combo · classic
Darius Rose
Floral · soft ending
Darius Mae
Sweet · timeless
Darius Claire
French influence · crisp
Darius Jane
Literary · strong
Darius Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Darius right now?
Declining — down 50 spots — currently #728 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| 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 | — |
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:
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?
CROATIAN
DariaDarijaDarinka
What names sound and feel like Darius?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Darius also consider these
How is Darius written in other languages?
Gender variants of Darius
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.