Darby

♂ Boy

Pronounced DAR-bee /ˈdɑr.bi/High

Meaning: From an English/Norse place/surname, 'a deer park; a village/farm where deer are kept' (Old Norse djur, 'deer', + by, 'settlement'); used for both sexes; here for boys; we note the placeLow

In 30 seconds: A deer park; a village with deer: Darby is an English/Norse place/surname. Crisp, modern, and warm. Used for both sexes (here for boys).

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Origin LowEnglish, Old Norse

MeaningFrom an English/Norse place/surname, 'a deer park; a village/farm where deer are kept' (Old Norse djur, 'deer', + by, 'settlement'); used for both sexes; here for boys; we note the place

U.S. rank (2025)#6540 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births13 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1970

Total births (all-time)≈ 2,940

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Darby comes from an English/Norse place/surname, 'a deer park; a village/farm where deer are kept' (Old Norse djur, 'deer', + by, 'settlement'; from Derby; we note the place). Used for both sexes, here for a boy (slug distinguished; said 'DAR-bee').

In the U.S. it appears for both sexes. Rare, a-deer-park at the root, and modern.

Did you know? Darby (from Derby) is an English/Norse place/surname, 'a deer park; a settlement where deer are kept' (djur, 'deer', + by, 'settlement') — crisp and modern, used for both sexes (here for boys; we note the place; said 'DAR-bee').

Overall data confidence 40%

References — Darby — unisex; place noted

Variations

DerbyDarbeyDarbie

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

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Crosby— a companion -by surname-name

Coby— lands in the same popularity range

Kirby— lands in the same popularity range

Shelby— shares the -by ending

Explore names like Darby

By themeuncertain english unisex place-name old-norse

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Darby mean?

Darby is an English/Norse place/surname, 'a deer park; a village with deer'; used for both sexes; here for a boy. We note the place.

How do you pronounce Darby?

It's said DAR-bee /ˈdɑr.bi/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Darby a boy or girl name?

Darby is used for both sexes; this page covers its use as a boy's name.

How popular is Darby?

Darby is a rare name in the U.S.