Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Dara
GirlIrish, Hebrew· “several origins; oak (Irish)”
- Meaning
- several origins; oak (Irish) (origin disputed)
- Origin
- Irish, Hebrew
- Pronunciation
- DAR-uh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #1,129
- US babies 2025
- 207
- Best rank
- #469 (1981)
- Peak year
- 1981
Meaning and origin of Dara
Dara is often said to mean “several origins; oak (Irish)”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Irish and Hebrew roots.
Dara is a name found in several traditions, so its meaning depends on the source. In Irish, it is connected with the word for oak. In the Hebrew Bible, Dara appears as a man's name in a genealogy of the tribe of Judah. In Persian, Dara is the traditional form of Darius, the name of ancient kings, often explained as one who holds firm. Because it developed independently in different cultures, no single meaning can claim it. Dara is short and simple, used for girls and boys in different parts of the world.
Other spellings with the same sound: Darrah.
Popularity over time
Dara first appears in US Social Security records in 1893. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 38 different years, starting in 1956. Its best national rank was #469 in 1981, the same year it reached its highest count of 453 babies. In 2025, 207 babies were named Dara, and it ranked #1,129 nationally. That is 218% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #3,687 in 1920, #1,225 in 1950, #486 in 1980, #1,271 in 2000, #2,434 in 2010, and #1,129 in 2025. Of the 13,692 US girls named Dara since records began, 21% were born in the 1980s, its biggest decade. The 1970s come next, with 2,650 babies. Since 2010, 2,027 more have been named Dara.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Catrina, Shameka, Tiffanie, Rosanna, and Brook.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Dara ranked highest in New Jersey, Maryland, and Virginia.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | #628 | 12 |
| Maryland | #678 | 7 |
| Virginia | #784 | 9 |
| New York | #799 | 20 |
| South Carolina | #802 | 5 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 87% of US babies named Dara over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
Dara is usually pronounced DAR-uh, with two syllables. It has four letters, starts with D and ends in “-ra”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Darrah.
Middle names for Dara
A few middle names that flow with Dara: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Dara
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Lists that include Dara
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Dara mean?
Dara is often said to mean “several origins; oak (Irish)”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Irish and Hebrew roots.
What is the origin of the name Dara?
Dara has Irish, Hebrew, and Persian roots. Dara is a name found in several traditions, so its meaning depends on the source.
Is Dara a popular name?
Not especially. Dara ranked #1,129 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Dara a boy or girl name?
Dara is mainly a girl's name. About 87% of US babies named Dara over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
How do you pronounce Dara?
Dara is usually pronounced DAR-uh. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings