Home › Baby Names Directory › Darek

Darek

♂ Boy

Pronounced DAH-rek /ˈdɑ.rɛk/High

Meaning: Polish short form of Dariusz ('possessor, wealthy', via Darius) or a form of Derek ('ruler of the people'); also a modern Derek spellingLow

In 30 seconds: A crisp Slavic short form: Darek is the Polish nickname for Dariusz — 'possessor, wealthy' — and a cousin of Derek, 'ruler of the people'. Sturdy, friendly, and central-European.
💕 Browse more names
Origin MediumPolish, Germanic
MeaningPolish short form of Dariusz ('possessor, wealthy', via Darius) or a form of Derek ('ruler of the people'); also a modern Derek spelling
U.S. rank (2024)#3703 ↘ Falling
2024 U.S. births30 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year1973
Total births (all-time)≈ 1,534

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 197319572024

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

History & Origin

Darek is a Polish short form of Dariusz — from the Persian Darius, 'possessor, wealthy' — and overlaps with Derek (from Theodoric, 'ruler of the people'). A friendly central-European name; its exact line varies, which we note.

In the U.S. it appears in Polish-heritage families. Rare, possessor-or-ruler at the root, and sturdy.

Did you know? Darek is the everyday Polish short form of Dariusz (Darius) — the name of the great Persian king — so the warm nickname carries a faint royal Persian shimmer.
Overall data confidence 62%
Behind the Name — Dariusz / Derek — root background

Variations

DariuszDerekDarrek

Nicknames

—

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Darek…

Derek— the related 'people's ruler' name
Darius— the Persian source name
Marek— a fellow Polish -ek name
Derick— shares Darek's Germanic roots
Derik— shares Darek's Germanic roots

Browse the whole category: All Polish names →  ·  All Germanic names →  ·  All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Darek mean?

Darek is a Polish short form of Dariusz ('possessor, wealthy') or a form of Derek ('ruler of the people'); we note both lines.

How do you pronounce Darek?

It's said DAH-rek /ˈdɑ.rɛk/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Darek a boy or girl name?

Darek is a boy's name.

How popular is Darek?

Darek is a rare name in the U.S.