Declining since 1994, #927 for boys today.
Popularity of Darian since 1939
Babies named Darian per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1930s | 0 | 7 |
| 1940s | 19 | 6 |
| 1950s | 54 | 21 |
| 1960s | 91 | 487 |
| 1970s | 120 | 1,623 |
| 1980s | 158 | 925 |
| 1990s | 4,282 | 5,048 |
| 2000s | 1,249 | 4,529 |
| 2010s | 198 | 2,937 |
| 2020s | 85 | 1,458 |
Meaning & origin
Darian entered U.S. records in 1939, but its rise began in the 1970s, peaking at rank 286 in 1994 with over 1,200 births. Since then, its popularity has fallen steadily; by 2025 it ranked 927th with an incidence of 1 in 6,725. The name is most popular in New Mexico, Connecticut, and Texas, reflecting varied regional appeal. Darian fits a pattern of names ending in -ian, like Adrian and Julian, that gained traction in the late 20th century, but it remains less common than its variant Darien, which is tied to the Panama location.
Darian is a modern English coinage, likely derived from the Persian name Darius (from Old Persian Dārayavauš, meaning 'he who holds firm the good'), combined with the popular -ian suffix. It emerged in the mid-20th century in the United States, possibly influenced by the similar-sounding name Darren. The name saw a rise in usage during the 1990s, reflecting a trend toward unique yet familiar-sounding names.
Where Darian is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Darian” around the world
Where Darian lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Dari, Dare, Dan
Sibling names for Darian
Names that share Darian's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Kaitlyn, Megan, Brittany, Lauren, Alyssa, Malani, Darianna, Diona, Kahlan, Marisha, Marlana, Neda, Roya, Zandra, Arlana, Dalina, Dalinda, Dandra, Elonda, Janiyla, Karessa, Lorielle, Saleena, Talena, Alnisa, Aundria, Darienne, Darlen, Daryana, Devonia, Deyanna, Kaprice, Karliah, Lanyia, Maral, Marcina, Marjan, Merina, Sareen, Tanessa, Terea, Treanna, Arionne, Kaysia, Asal, Calena, Careen, Chalise, Charne, Danari, Dannetta, Darchelle, Dariann, Dariona, Daritza, Darlina, Davona, Dayannara, Donja, Jurline, Karysa, Latissa, Markela, Ronnae, Salene, Shabree, Shantara, Shynia, Zohal
Brothers: Cameron, Brandon, Tyler, Dylan, Evan, Damond, Derian, Arsalan, Artin, Devron, Faraz, Kawan, Saman, Terrian, Torrian, Varian, Aldin, Arkan, Arrion, Baran, Dakai, Duwan, Eldar, Jadarian, Jarian, Jaris, Jarvin, Khalan, Matin, Mehran, Raistlin, Reyhan, Salar, Sevan, Terryon, Torion, Virlan, Davarion, Ardian, Azarian, Corrion, Daisean, Darryon, Davari, Delando, Gerell, Jaryan, Kamdin, Kavian, Kayvan, Keldric, Navari, Raden, Radin, Romin, Tadan, Tarez, Tavari
Names like Darian
Names whose popularity has moved with Darian's over the last 50 years.
