Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Darren
BoyIrish, English
- Meaning
- uncertain (origin disputed)
- Origin
- Irish, English
- Pronunciation
- DEH-ruhn
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #1,135
- US babies 2025
- 187
- Best rank
- #52 (1965)
- Peak year
- 1965
Meaning and origin of Darren
Darren is usually linked to Irish and English roots, but its original meaning is uncertain.
The origin of Darren is uncertain. It may come from an Irish surname, perhaps an anglicized form of Ó Dearáin, but no explanation is firmly established. The name became popular in the United States and Britain in the mid-twentieth century, helped along by singer Bobby Darin, who used it as a stage surname, and by the character Darrin Stephens in the television series Bewitched. It went on to become a familiar name of the later twentieth century. Darren sounds friendly and approachable. Daz is a British nickname, and Darin and Darrin are related spellings.
Popularity over time
Darren first appears in US Social Security records in 1936. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 69 different years, starting in 1952. Its best national rank was #52 in 1965, the same year it reached its highest count of 5,938 babies. In 2025, 187 babies were named Darren, and it ranked #1,135 nationally. That is 64% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #2,345 in 1950, #163 in 1980, #298 in 2000, #407 in 2010, and #1,135 in 2025. Of the 103,937 US boys named Darren since records began, 34% were born in the 1960s, its biggest decade. The 1970s come next, with 22,574 babies. Since 2010, 7,075 more have been named Darren.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Jon, Darrin, Kurt, Darin, and Rodney.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Darren ranked highest in Kentucky, Alabama, and Pennsylvania.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | #733 | 5 |
| Alabama | #791 | 5 |
| Pennsylvania | #803 | 10 |
| Maryland | #831 | 5 |
| Florida | #853 | 17 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Darren is usually pronounced DEH-ruhn, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with D and ends in “-en”.
Middle names for Darren
A few middle names that flow with Darren: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Darren
Similar names
Daren Boy
DAIR-in
“variant of Darren, origin uncertain” · English
#3,197
Arlen Unisex
AHR-luhn
“from an Irish or English surname” · Irish
#1,587
Rowen Unisex
ROH-uhn
“little red one; also rowan tree” · Irish
#488
Steven Boy
STEE-vuhn
“crown, garland” · Greek
#271
Landen Boy
LAN-duhn
“long hill” · English
#1,045
Braden Boy
BRAY-den
“descendant of Bradán; salmon” · Irish
#1,152
Allen Boy
AL-uhn
“uncertain; variant of Alan” · English
#578
Aden Boy
AY-duhn
“little fire” · Irish
#1,008
Cory Boy
KAW-ree
Irish
#1,245
Loren Unisex
LOR-uhn
“from Laurentum; variant of Lauren” · English
#3,015
Nolen Boy
NOH-luhn
“variant of Nolan, from an Irish surname” · Irish
#2,381
Calen Boy
KAY-luhn
“uncertain, possibly variant of Caelan” · American (modern coinage)
#3,323
Lists that include Darren
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Darren mean?
Darren is usually linked to Irish and English roots, but its original meaning is uncertain.
What is the origin of the name Darren?
Darren has Irish and English roots. The origin of Darren is uncertain.
Is Darren a popular name?
Not especially. Darren ranked #1,135 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Darren a boy or girl name?
Darren is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Darren?
Darren is usually pronounced DEH-ruhn. 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