MallowbyNames

Derrin

DARE-in · Of uncertain origin; possibly a variant of Darren or Derron, which themselves have debated roots (possibly an Anglicized form of Irish 'Dáire' meaning 'fruitful' or 'oak grove').

Peak popularity
1965
Usually for
Boys
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady.

Popularity of Derrin since 1960

Babies named Derrin per year in U.S. Social Security records.

1019291960198020002020Most births 1965Boys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeBoys
1960s129
1970s83
1980s147
1990s131
2000s100
2010s82
2020s6

Meaning & origin

Derrin is a rare given name that first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1960, at the dawn of a decade that saw many short-lived naming trends. Its popularity peaked in 1965, when it reached its highest recorded usage. Since then, Derrin has maintained a low but steady presence, never breaking into the top 1,000 names. The name's trajectory has been stable, with no recent surge or decline. Although its top states are not recorded, Derrin likely saw scattered use across the country, particularly in areas with Irish-American communities. Its similarity to more common names like Darren and Derron suggests it may be a personalized spelling variant, chosen by parents seeking a distinctive twist. Without a clear etymology, Derrin remains a name of uncertain origin, adding to its understated appeal.

Derrin is a modern given name that first appeared in the United States in the 1960s. It is most likely a variant of Darren, a name popularized in the 20th century, possibly derived from the Irish name Dáire, meaning 'fruitful' or 'oak grove.' The spelling with -in gives it a distinct but related form.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Der, Derry, Rin

Variants: Derren, Derrin, Derron, Darrin

Sibling names for Derrin

Names that share Derrin's style, for a brother or sister.

Sisters: Erin, Megan, Brianna, Colleen, Kara

Brothers: Kevin, Brian, Sean, Ryan, Patrick

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

D is for Derrin, our favorite little boy.

D is for Derrin…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Derrin's letter becomes Derrin's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Derrin's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Derrin mean?
The meaning of Derrin is uncertain, but it is thought to be a variant of Darren, which may come from the Irish Dáire, meaning 'fruitful' or 'oak grove.'
How popular is the name Derrin?
Derrin is a rare name. It first appeared in U.S. records in 1960 and peaked in 1965, but has since remained uncommon. As of 2025, it did not rank among the top 1,000 names and no recent 1-in-N data is available.
Is Derrin a boy's or girl's name?
Derrin is traditionally used as a boy's name, though its ending could allow unisex usage. Historical data shows it given almost exclusively to boys.