Declining since 1994, #1,436 for boys today.
Popularity of Darien since 1937
Babies named Darien per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1930s | 11 | 0 |
| 1940s | 35 | 7 |
| 1950s | 104 | 46 |
| 1960s | 85 | 524 |
| 1970s | 70 | 511 |
| 1980s | 98 | 701 |
| 1990s | 1,058 | 3,583 |
| 2000s | 316 | 2,888 |
| 2010s | 55 | 1,916 |
| 2020s | 17 | 801 |
Meaning & origin
Darien is a modern American name that first appeared on the U.S. baby name charts in 1949. It experienced a peak in popularity in 1994, when it ranked its highest, but has since been on a downward trajectory. As of 2025, it ranks 1436th, indicating a relatively uncommon choice. The name is most prevalent in Maryland, Arizona, and Florida. Its similarity to names like Darian and Dalton places it within a set of modern-sounding, consonant-heavy choices favored in the late 20th century.
Darien appears to be a modern coinage, likely derived from the name Darian or inspired by the place name Darien, as in the Darien Gap in Panama. It emerged in the United States in the mid-20th century, first recorded in 1949, and has been used primarily for boys. The spelling with an 'e' distinguishes it from the more common Darian and Darrin.
Where Darien 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.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Dare, Ren
Sibling names for Darien
Names that share Darien's style, for a brother or sister.
Names like Darien
Names whose popularity has moved with Darien's over the last 50 years.
