Rising since 1986, #3,296 for girls today.
Popularity of Darling since 1920
Babies named Darling per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1920s | 20 |
| 1930s | 15 |
| 1940s | 35 |
| 1950s | 56 |
| 1960s | 69 |
| 1970s | 32 |
| 1980s | 105 |
| 1990s | 121 |
| 2000s | 152 |
| 2010s | 228 |
| 2020s | 212 |
Meaning & origin
Darling entered U.S. naming records in 1920, but it remained extremely uncommon for decades. Its recent climb, especially since the 1980s, reflects a broader trend toward using affectionate vocabulary words as given names. The name reached its peak rank of 3,296 in 2025, with a 1-in-34,197 frequency, and has been rising since 1986, suggesting growing appeal. It is most popular in Texas and California, which often lead for creatively styled names. Darling stands out for its warm, endearing sound and its direct link to a cherished term, making it a distinctive yet familiar choice.
Darling derives from the Old English word dēorling, formed from dēore meaning 'dear, beloved' and the diminutive suffix -ling. It was originally used as a term of endearment and later adopted as a given name, especially in the United States from the late 19th century onward. Its use as a first name reflects the trend of vocabulary names inspired by positive qualities and affection.
Where Darling is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Darling” around the world
Where Darling 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: Darl, Ling
Variants: Darlyng
Sibling names for Darling
Names that share Darling's style, for a brother or sister.
