Holding steady, #4,067 for girls today.
Popularity of Darlin since 1950
Babies named Darlin per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2007, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Darlin's real moment was 2025.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1950s | 22 | 0 |
| 1960s | 16 | 0 |
| 1970s | 21 | 0 |
| 1980s | 52 | 0 |
| 1990s | 128 | 0 |
| 2000s | 258 | 24 |
| 2010s | 200 | 27 |
| 2020s | 148 | 40 |
Meaning & origin
Darlin is a modern, endearing name that entered American records in 1950, showing a steady if minor presence. In 2025, it ranked 4067th, with approximately 1 in 45922 girls given the name. Its peak year is also 2025, suggesting recent interest. The leading state for Darlin in 2025 is Texas, indicating a regional concentration in the southern United States. As a word name adapted from the common term of endearment, Darlin fits a trend of affectionate and familiar names. Its trajectory remains stable, neither surging nor declining sharply, marking it as a consistently uncommon choice that appeals to parents seeking a name that feels both sweet and distinctive.
Darlin is a modern English coinage adapted directly from the English word 'darling,' a term of endearment meaning 'beloved' or 'dear one.' The word itself derives from the Old English 'dēorling,' formed from 'dēore' (dear) and the suffix '-ling.' As a given name, Darlin is a relatively recent development, first recorded in the United States in 1950. Its use likely echoes the popularity of other word names and endearment-based names such as Darling or Sweetie.
Where Darlin is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Sibling names for Darlin
Names that share Darlin's style, for a brother or sister.
