What does Darryl mean and where does it come from?
Traditionally a male name of French origin (from the surname D'Airelle), Darryl has seen adoption as a female name in modern contexts. Its popularity surged in the 1950s and 1960s primarily in the United States. As a male name, it is often spelled 'Daryl', but 'Darryl' has gained traction for female
Cultural significance
Darryl has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of dear one, beloved.
Peak popularity
Reached #1678 in 1963 — currently #2115 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Darryl?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Darryl?
Darryl works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Darryl Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Darryl John
One syllable · timeless choice
Darryl Luke
One syllable · timeless choice
Darryl Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Darryl Beau
One syllable · on the rise
Darryl Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Darryl right now?
Falling — down 317 spots — currently #2115 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #2115 | 69 | ▼ down 317 · -24% births |
| 2024 | #1798 | 91 | ▼ down 888 · -93% births |
| 2023 | #910 | 1,290 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #915 | 1,270 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2021 | #920 | 1,240 | ▲ up 6667 · +11173% births |
| 1995 | #7587 | 11 | ▼ down 1077 · -15% births |
| 1990 | #6510 | 13 | ▼ down 2353 · -32% births |
| 1985 | #4157 | 19 | ▲ up 3369 · +138% births |
| 1980 | #7526 | 8 | ▼ down 1915 · -20% births |
| 1975 | #5611 | 10 | ▼ down 1519 · -29% births |
| 1970 | #4092 | 14 | ▼ down 2230 · -63% births |
| 1965 | #1862 | 38 | ▼ down 179 · -16% births |
| 1960 | #1683 | 45 | ▲ up 452 · +73% births |
| 1955 | #2135 | 26 | ▲ up 846 · +100% births |
| 1950 | #2981 | 13 | — |
The story of Darryl
Darryl entered American naming records in 1936 and has been in use for over 88 years. A total of 92,949 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3687 in 1940 to #910 in 2023. Darryl is used for both genders: 1% female and 99% male.
Names that peaked alongside Darryl in 1963:
Darryl by decade
Darryl peaked in the 1960s. See all 1960s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 47 | |
| 1920s | 124 | |
| 1930s | 1,586 | |
| 1940s | 5,898 | |
| 1950s | 15,318 | |
| 1960s ★ | 39,545 | |
| 1970s | 8,486 | |
| 1980s | 10,463 | |
| 1990s | 6,651 | |
| 2000s | 2,927 | |
| 2010s | 1,791 | |
| 2020s | 273 | |
What are good nicknames for Darryl?
What names sound and feel like Darryl?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Darryl also consider these
How is Darryl written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Darryl
What does the name Darryl mean?
Darryl means "Dear one, beloved" — a name rooted in American 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 Darryl?
Darryl is currently ranked #910 as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Darryl?
Darryl originates from American tradition. American names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
Is Darryl a common or rare name?
Darryl is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.
Is Darryl more of a girl or boy name?
Darryl is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.