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Darling
Pronounced DAR-ling /ΛdΙr.lΙͺΕ/High
Meaning: Beloved, dear one; from Old English deorling, 'darling, favorite', also an English surnameHigh
Popularity in the U.S. Β· SSA data
U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880βpresent). Pink marker = peak year.
SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.
History & Origin
Darling descends from Old English deorling β 'favorite, beloved one', built on deor, 'dear' β and has served as both endearment and surname since before the Norman Conquest. Heroic lighthouse keeper's daughter Grace Darling and Peter Pan's Darling family kept the surname luminous.
As a first name it appeared occasionally in the American South's tradition of endearment names (Honey, Baby, Precious) and is now resurfacing in the word-name era. It remains rare β a name that doubles as a daily declaration of love.
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Frequently Asked
What does the name Darling mean?
Darling comes from Old English deorling and means 'beloved one' or 'favorite'.
How do you pronounce Darling?
It's said DAR-ling /ΛdΙr.lΙͺΕ/ β two syllables, stress on the first.
Is Darling a boy or girl name?
Darling is used today mainly as a girl's name.
How popular is Darling?
Darling is a rare endearment name in the U.S.