What does Daryl mean and where does it come from?
Daryl is traditionally a male name but has become increasingly popular as a female name, particularly in the United States since the mid-20th century. The name is derived from the Old French 'd'Airelle,' meaning 'darling' or 'beloved.' It enjoyed significant popularity during the 1960s and 1970s. No
Cultural significance
Daryl has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of old english.
Peak popularity
Reached #666 in 1950 — currently #1529 in the US.
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Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Daryl?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Daryl?
Daryl works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Daryl Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Daryl John
One syllable · timeless choice
Daryl Luke
One syllable · timeless choice
Daryl Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Daryl Beau
One syllable · on the rise
Daryl Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Daryl right now?
Rising fast — up 471 spots — currently #1529 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #1529 | 113 | ▲ up 471 · +47% births |
| 2024 | #2000 | 77 | ▼ down 637 · -91% births |
| 2023 | #1363 | 837 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #1368 | 817 | ▲ up 5 · +4% births |
| 2021 | #1373 | 787 | ▲ up 10524 · +9738% births |
| 2015 | #11897 | 8 | ▲ up 1629 · +14% births |
| 2010 | #13526 | 7 | ▼ down 3340 · -30% births |
| 2005 | #10186 | 10 | ▼ down 5188 · -57% births |
| 2000 | #4998 | 23 | ▼ down 2407 · -52% births |
| 1995 | #2591 | 48 | ▼ down 679 · -34% births |
| 1990 | #1912 | 73 | ▲ up 112 · +38% births |
| 1985 | #2024 | 53 | ▲ up 2352 · +212% births |
| 1980 | #4376 | 17 | ▼ down 1470 · -32% births |
| 1975 | #2906 | 25 | ▼ down 689 · -31% births |
| 1970 | #2217 | 36 | — |
The story of Daryl
Daryl entered American naming records in 1915 and has been in use for over 109 years. A total of 67,023 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4051 in 1915 to #1363 in 2023. Daryl is used for both genders: 7% female and 93% male.
Names that peaked alongside Daryl in 1950:
Daryl by decade
Daryl peaked in the 1950s. See all 1950s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 216 | |
| 1920s | 1,154 | |
| 1930s | 2,079 | |
| 1940s | 6,095 | |
| 1950s | 15,817 | |
| 1960s ★ | 15,910 | |
| 1970s | 11,272 | |
| 1980s | 7,277 | |
| 1990s | 3,978 | |
| 2000s | 1,894 | |
| 2010s | 1,238 | |
| 2020s | 283 | |
What are good nicknames for Daryl?
What names sound and feel like Daryl?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Daryl also consider these
How is Daryl written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Daryl
What does the name Daryl mean?
Daryl means "Old English" — a name rooted in English 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 Daryl?
Daryl is currently a distinctive and less common name 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 Daryl?
Daryl originates from English tradition. English 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 Daryl?
Daryl is a two-syllable name pronounced DER-ul. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Daryl a common or rare name?
Daryl is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.