MallowbyNames

Darey

DAIR-ee · Possibly a variant of Darrin or Darren, derived from the English surname meaning 'from Airey' or 'dark'. Alternatively, it may be a modern coinage influenced by Dare or Daryl.

2025 rank (boys)
#3,036
Babies named in 2025
40
Peak popularity
2009
2025 frequency
1 in 42,702 boys
Usually for
Boys
Trend
Declining since 2009

Declining since 2009, #3,036 for boys today.

Popularity of Darey since 2005

Babies named Darey per year in U.S. Social Security records.

397811720102020Most births 2009Boys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeBoys
2000s233
2010s337
2020s165

Meaning & origin

Darey is a modern boys' name that first appeared on the U.S. naming scene in 2005, during a period when creative variants of familiar names like Darren and Daryl were gaining traction. It reached its peak popularity relatively quickly, standing at rank 3,036 in 2009 with a 1-in-42,702 incidence, but since that year its usage has consistently fallen, reflecting a common pattern for invented or respelled names that rise and fall rapidly. Despite its short history, Darey shows a distinctive regional pattern: the top states where it appears are Arizona, Texas, and California, suggesting a concentration in the southwestern U.S. Among the states outside the West, Wisconsin and New Jersey also recorded some use, though overall the name remains extremely rare outside of those areas. Parents drawn to Darey often appreciate its modern, streamlined sound and its resemblance to longer vintage surnames, while its lack of historical depth makes it a purely contemporary choice.

Darey is a rare given name first recorded in the United States in 2005. It likely emerged as a variant of names like Darrin (an English surname) or Darren (of uncertain origin, possibly from an English place name), or as a creative respelling of Daryl. Its brief spike in popularity occurred in 2009, ranking 3,036th nationally, and usage has since declined, reflecting its status as a modern, invented name without deep historical roots.

Where Darey is most popular

Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.

Fewermore per 100k boystoo few births

Nicknames & variants

Variants: Darrin, Darren, Daryl

Sibling names for Darey

Names that share Darey's style, for a brother or sister.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

D is for Darey, our favorite little boy.

D is for Darey…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Darey's letter becomes Darey's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Darey's book

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Questions parents ask

What does the name Darey mean?
Darey is likely a modern variant of Darrin or Darren, possibly meaning 'from Airey' or 'dark'. Its exact meaning is uncertain due to its recent coinage.
How popular is the name Darey?
Darey is a rare name in the U.S. In its peak year (2009), it ranked 3,036th, and in 2025 it was given to about 1 in 42,702 boys.
Is Darey a boy's or girl's name?
Darey is primarily used as a boy's name, as recorded in U.S. Social Security data.