Holding steady.
Popularity of Darl since 1911
Babies named Darl per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 110 |
| 1920s | 317 |
| 1930s | 360 |
| 1940s | 315 |
| 1950s | 330 |
| 1960s | 229 |
| 1970s | 100 |
| 1980s | 36 |
| 1990s | 22 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
The name Darl first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1911, reflecting the turn-of-the-century fashion for short, consonant-heavy names. Its peak year was 1931, when it reached its highest recorded usage, though it never cracked the top 1000. Since then, its trajectory has been stable but extremely rare, with the name appearing only sporadically. While its etymology remains uncertain, it may be a clipped form of Daryl or Darling, or a standalone invention. Darl has no strong ties to any particular region or culture, making it a true American coinage. Today, it remains a curiosity for parents seeking an obscure, vintage choice.
The name Darl first appeared in U.S. records in 1911 and saw modest use, peaking in 1931. It may derive from the surname Darl or be a shortened form of Darling, used as a term of endearment. Alternatively, it could be a phonetic variant of Daryl, itself of English and French origin. Its usage has remained stable but rare.
Nicknames & variants
Sibling names for Darl
Names that share Darl's style, for a brother or sister.
