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Darling

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Darling Pronunciation

Darling is pronounced DAR-ling /ˈdɑr.lɪŋ/High

Meaning: Beloved, dear one; from Old English deorling, 'darling, favorite', also an English surnameHigh

In 30 seconds: The endearment itself: Darling has meant 'beloved' for over a thousand years. As a name, it's a lifelong term of affection — and a nod to Peter Pan's Wendy Darling.

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Origin HighEnglish

MeaningBeloved, dear one; from Old English deorling, 'darling, favorite', also an English surname

U.S. rank (2024)#3339 ↗ Rising

2024 U.S. births47 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2024

Total births (all-time)≈ 998

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

History & Origin

Darling descends from Old English deorling — 'favorite, beloved one', built on deor, 'dear' — 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 — a name that doubles as a daily declaration of love.

Did you know? Wendy, John, and Michael Darling of Peter Pan made this the most famous surname in the nursery — J. M. Barrie borrowed it from friends, the Llewelyn Davies boys' circle.

Overall data confidence 93%

Oxford English Dictionary — darling — word history

Variations

DarleneDarla

Nicknames

DarDarly

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Darling…

Honey— a fellow endearment-word used as a name

Dolly— shares the vintage sweetheart warmth

Darla— the midcentury name carved from the same 'dear' root

Wendy— the Peter Pan companion name forever linked to Darling

→ See all names like Darling

Browse the whole category: All English names → · All origins →

Frequently Asked

How do you pronounce Darling?

Darling is pronounced DAR-ling (/ˈdɑr.lɪŋ/). Press play above to hear Darling said aloud.

How do you say Darling?

Darling is said DAR-ling (/ˈdɑr.lɪŋ/). Press play above to hear Darling said aloud.

What does the name Darling mean?

Darling comes from Old English deorling and means 'beloved one' or 'favorite'.

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.