Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Daren
BoyEnglish, Irish· “variant of Darren, origin uncertain”
- Meaning
- variant of Darren, origin uncertain (origin disputed)
- Origin
- English, Irish
- Pronunciation
- DAIR-in
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #3,197
- US babies 2025
- 37
- Best rank
- #271 (1965)
- Peak year
- 1965
Meaning and origin of Daren
Daren is often said to mean “variant of Darren, origin uncertain”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to English and Irish roots.
Daren is a spelling of Darren, a name whose origin is uncertain. It may come from an Irish surname, but it grew as a first name in the mid-twentieth century, helped by the actor Darren McGavin and by Darrin Stephens, the husband in the television comedy Bewitched. The single r in Daren gives a sleeker look without changing the sound, DAIR-in. Related spellings include Darren, Darin and Darrin, and Darian is a separate name that is often confused with it. Because the meaning is unclear, Daren is best appreciated for its easy two-syllable sound and its unfussy, mid-century character, in the company of Craig and Shane.
Other spellings with the same sound: Darin, Darrin.
Popularity over time
Daren first appears in US Social Security records in 1922. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 33 different years, starting in 1959. Its best national rank was #271 in 1965, the same year it reached its highest count of 761 babies. In 2025, 37 babies were named Daren, and it ranked #3,197 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #1,711 in 1950, #643 in 1980, #1,243 in 2000, #1,902 in 2010, and #3,197 in 2025. Of the 10,855 US boys named Daren since records began, 36% were born in the 1960s, its biggest decade. The 1970s come next, with 2,174 babies. Since 2010, 708 more have been named Daren.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Lyndon, Terence, Kip, Robby, and Darron.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Daren ranked highest in Texas.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | #2656 | 5 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Daren is usually pronounced DAIR-in, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with D and ends in “-en”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Darin and Darrin.
Middle names for Daren
A few middle names that flow with Daren: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Daren
Similar names
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Lists that include Daren
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Daren mean?
Daren is often said to mean “variant of Darren, origin uncertain”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to English and Irish roots.
What is the origin of the name Daren?
Daren has English and Irish roots. Daren is a spelling of Darren, a name whose origin is uncertain.
Is Daren a popular name?
Not especially. Daren ranked #3,197 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Daren a boy or girl name?
Daren is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Daren?
Daren is usually pronounced DAIR-in. 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