Declining since 1986, #1,132 for boys today.
Popularity of Darren since 1936
Babies named Darren per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1930s | 13 |
| 1940s | 52 |
| 1950s | 2,048 |
| 1960s | 35,038 |
| 1970s | 22,574 |
| 1980s | 15,698 |
| 1990s | 12,519 |
| 2000s | 8,920 |
| 2010s | 5,490 |
| 2020s | 1,585 |
Meaning & origin
Darren first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1936 and rose to prominence in the mid-20th century, reaching its peak rank in 1965. Since then, its usage has steadily declined, a trajectory that began in 1986 according to Social Security data. In the latest year (2025), Darren ranked 1132 with a frequency of 1 in every 9,134 male births, a significant drop from its peak. The name was most concentrated in the states of Kentucky, Alabama, and Maryland, suggesting a regional preference in the South and Mid-Atlantic. While its exact meaning remains uncertain, Darren likely has Irish origins, possibly from Dáire or as a variant of Darrell, giving it a solid, approachable quality that resonated with American parents mid-century.
The name Darren is of uncertain origin. It may be an Anglicized form of the Irish name Dáire, which means 'fruitful' or 'fertile', or it could be a variant of the English surname Darrell, derived from the Norman French d'Airelle. The name first appeared in U.S. records in 1936 and gained popularity in the mid-20th century, peaking in 1965.
Where Darren 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.
“Darren” around the world
Where Darren lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
25
babies in 2024
Ireland
4
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Darr, Ren
Sibling names for Darren
Names that share Darren's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Lauren, Megan, Erin, Kaitlyn, Brittany, Dionna, Shonda, Cherise, Dedra, Diandra, Shanelle, Charice, Charnelle, Darcia, Darilyn, Davette, Denitra, Dorena, Dwanna, Harlene, Janese, Larisha, Latisa, Marlea, Sharelle, Sharene, Sharin, Sharna, Sherrice, Tanda, Telicia, Terriona, Tondra, Yulonda, Arlicia, Cheryn, Curtisha, Danene, Darinda, Darthy, Dawnell, Derenda, Jawanda, Kandise, Lacrystal, Lamanda, Marshelle, Ralene, Ronnesha, Sharmane, Sharnette, Sherae, Yalanda, Darenda, Taronda, Arlenne, Caran, Carrine, Cheris, Darcella, Darene, Darnice, Denene, Denetta, Dorlisa, Farra, Jacora, Karlen, Kerline, Larren, Martrice, Patrese, Ronnica, Sharine, Sharlena, Sharnell, Sharonna, Shawnya, Syrita, Trenace, Trenee, Wilmary
Brothers: Kevin, Brian, Eric, Ryan, Scott, Dwayne, Darcel, Dawayne, Lynell, Darcell, Dawan, Demont, Derral, Jarrel, Karron, Lamark, Londell, Tavarus, Tharon, Darelle, Garon, Jermie, Lavel, Sharrod, Tarron, Dannell, Dariell, Deddrick, Dshaun, Durelle, Duriel, Jarris, Larron, Markice, Yarnell
Names like Darren
Names whose popularity has moved with Darren's over the last 50 years.
