Declining since 1986, #1,529 for boys today.
Popularity of Daryl since 1912
Babies named Daryl per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1956, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Daryl's real moment was 1970.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1910s | 23 | 193 |
| 1920s | 73 | 1,080 |
| 1930s | 237 | 1,842 |
| 1940s | 805 | 5,290 |
| 1950s | 1,317 | 14,506 |
| 1960s | 646 | 15,268 |
| 1970s | 256 | 11,014 |
| 1980s | 435 | 6,840 |
| 1990s | 460 | 3,519 |
| 2000s | 121 | 1,776 |
| 2010s | 46 | 1,198 |
| 2020s | 0 | 532 |
Meaning & origin
Daryl is a name that saw its peak popularity in 1970, when it ranked highly among baby boys. Since 1986, its usage has been in decline, with the 2025 ranking at 1529 and a 1-in-15116 incidence rate. The name's trajectory shows it falling out of favor, but it still carries a classic mid-20th-century feel. The top states during its peak usage were Michigan, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania, reflecting a broad geographic appeal. Daryl's origins as a variant of Darrell link it to the Old French and English roots meaning 'beloved.' Despite its decline, the name remains recognizable and has been borne by many individuals, keeping it from becoming completely obscure.
Daryl is a variant of Darrell, which itself comes from the Old French 'd'Airelle,' meaning 'from Airelle,' a place name. It may also be related to the Old English 'dearling,' meaning 'darling' or 'beloved.' The name gained popularity in the 20th century, particularly in the United States, often used as a masculine given name.
Where Daryl 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.
“Daryl” around the world
Where Daryl lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
55
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Dare, Daz
Sibling names for Daryl
Names that share Daryl's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Dana, Diane, Deborah, Denise, Dawn, Charla, Maralyn, Raelene, Sherell, Deadra, Delynn, Jillene, Marillyn, Marlynn, Ranelle, Shondra, Teryl, Beverlyn, Candiss, Cherell, Cherina, Daralyn, Laree, Marlaine, Marylene, Raenell, Shirline, Arelene, Danine, Decarla, Delrae, Denetta, Shalona, Sharlena, Sherlyne
Brothers: Donald, Scott, David, Dennis, Dean, Delane, Dewayne, Jeryl, Darick, Darold, Karlton, Ronell, Terrill, Darcell, Jarrel, Sherod, Veryl, Darvell, Gearl, Mardell, Ranell, Cordarryl, Darrie, Durelle, Dyrell, Jerral, Larrell, Marrell
Names like Daryl
Names whose popularity has moved with Daryl's over the last 50 years.
