Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Darius
BoyPersian, Greek· “holding firm the good”
- Meaning
- holding firm the good
- Origin
- Persian, Greek
- Pronunciation
- duh-RY-uhs
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #788
- US babies 2025
- 322
- Best rank
- #152 (1990)
- Peak year
- 1994
Meaning and origin of Darius
Darius is a Persian and Greek name that is usually said to mean “holding firm the good”.
Darius is the Greek and Latin form of the Old Persian Darayavahush, usually explained as he who holds firm the good. Darius the Great was one of the most powerful rulers of the Achaemenid Persian Empire, and a king named Darius appears in the biblical books of Daniel and Ezra. The name passed into European use through Greek historians. Today it is used in the United States, in Europe and in Iran, where Dariush is the modern form. Darius is strong, historic and polished, with a distinctive rhythm.
Popularity over time
Darius has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 75 different years. Its best national rank was #152 in 1990, and the most babies received it in 1994, when 2,184 were named Darius. In 2025, 322 babies were named Darius, and it ranked #788 nationally. That is 44% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #2,066 in 1920, #1,260 in 1950, #356 in 1980, #220 in 2000, #337 in 2010, and #788 in 2025. Of the 54,006 US boys named Darius since records began, 36% were born in the 1990s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 12,436 babies. Since 2010, 8,886 more have been named Darius.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Sergio, Zachery, Shaquille, Francisco, and Forrest.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Darius ranked highest in Oklahoma, Utah, and Missouri.
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Darius is usually pronounced duh-RY-uhs, with three syllables. It has six letters, starts with D and ends in “-us”.
Middle names for Darius
A few middle names that flow with Darius: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Darius
Similar names
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Lists that include Darius
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Darius mean?
Darius is a Persian and Greek name that is usually said to mean “holding firm the good”.
What is the origin of the name Darius?
Darius has Persian and Greek roots. Darius is the Greek and Latin form of the Old Persian Darayavahush, usually explained as he who holds firm the good.
Is Darius a popular name?
Yes. Darius ranked #788 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Darius a boy or girl name?
Darius is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Darius?
Darius is usually pronounced duh-RY-uhs. 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