Declining since 1985, #2,108 for boys today.
Popularity of Darryl since 1913
Babies named Darryl per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 47 |
| 1920s | 124 |
| 1930s | 1,558 |
| 1940s | 5,750 |
| 1950s | 15,083 |
| 1960s | 39,200 |
| 1970s | 8,385 |
| 1980s | 10,313 |
| 1990s | 6,545 |
| 2000s | 2,922 |
| 2010s | 1,788 |
| 2020s | 570 |
Meaning & origin
Darryl first appeared in U.S. records in 1913 and saw a surge in popularity through the mid-20th century, reaching its peak in 1965 when it ranked among the top names. Since 1985, its usage has steadily declined, reflecting broader trends away from mid-century favorites. In 2025, the name ranks 2108th with a frequency of 1 in 24755 births. It has been most common in North Carolina, Georgia, and Texas. Despite its fall from fashion, Darryl retains a strong, familiar sound that evokes the mid-century era.
Darryl is a modern variant of Darrell, which originated as a Norman French surname d'Airelle, denoting someone from Airelle in Calvados, France. The name may also be influenced by the Old English term deorling, meaning 'darling' or 'dear one'. It gained popularity in the United States during the mid-20th century, particularly in the 1960s, and has since declined.
Where Darryl 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: Darr, Dary, D
Sibling names for Darryl
Names that share Darryl's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Cheryl, Brenda, Linda, Sharon, Debra, Sharlene, Carletta, Larita, Tangela, Carlen, Carlette, Charlyne, Darlean, Darlynn, Dawnelle, Lanetta, Sharise, Sharline, Sheria, Shirelle, Terria, Teryl, Charnice, Darleny, Darolyn, Dauna, Dawanda, Denicia, Kennethia, Lanice, Rejeana, Shellene, Sherline, Taralee, Cherisa, Aronda, Charman, Charrise, Danyetta, Darletta, Darnice, Darrelyn, Jheri, Jodette, Kimetha, Leanndra, Leslyn, Marchele, Sherlonda, Shirlena, Ulonda
Brothers: Stephen, Stuart, Terence, Christopher, Steven, Travis, Darl, Lamar, Tyron, Terryl, Denard, Montrice, Raybon, Charvis, Dannis, Duwane, Sirron
Names like Darryl
Names whose popularity has moved with Darryl's over the last 50 years.
