Recent in Baby
When Baby Resists SolidsWhen Baby Resists SolidsBaby Biting TipsBaby Biting Tips5 Tips To Help Prevent Highchair Injuries5 Tips To Help Prevent Highchair InjuriesWhen Baby and Pet MeetWhen Baby and Pet MeetTreatments for ColicTreatments for ColicBaby Milestones – The First YearBaby Milestones – The First YearTips for Relieving Teething PainTips for Relieving Teething PainBenefits of Making Your Own Baby FoodBenefits of Making Your Own Baby Food

Home › Baby Names Directory › Darren

Darren

♂ Boy

Pronounced DAIR-un /ˈdɛər.ən/High

Meaning: Great; or possibly from the Irish Gaelic Dara (oak) with the -en suffix; or an anglicization of Celtic Darragh (dark oak)Medium

In 30 seconds: A name of uncertain origin, possibly from Irish Gaelic Dara (oak) or Darragh (dark oak). Popular in the 1960s–1990s, it is now solidly mid-century classic — familiar from TV series Bewitched's Darrin Stevens.
💕 Browse more names
Origin MediumIrish, English
MeaningGreat; or possibly from the Irish Gaelic Dara (oak) with the -en suffix; or an anglicization of Celtic Darragh (dark oak)
U.S. rank (2025)#1135 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births187 boys (0.01% of U.S. boys)
Peak year1965
Total births (all-time)≈ 103,938

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 196519362025

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

Darren's exact origin is uncertain. It may be an anglicization of Irish Gaelic Darragh or Dara (dark oak, or great), or it may be a completely American coinage from the 20th century. The name is strongly associated with mid-20th century American culture.

Darren was popular in the U.S. from the 1950s through the 1980s. It ranked #953 for boys in 2024.

Did you know? Darrin Stevens in the TV series Bewitched (1964–1972) was famously played by TWO different actors (Dick York 1964–1969, Dick Sargent 1969–1972) — yet viewers generally accepted the change, making Darren/Darrin one of the first names associated with a seamless casting replacement.
Overall data confidence 72%
Behind the Name — Darren — uncertain etymologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

DarenDarrinDarryn

Nicknames

Dar

Famous Bearers

  • ★Darren Aronofsky (1969-)
    American filmmaker who directed Black Swan and Requiem for a Dream
  • ★Darren Criss (1987-)
    American actor and singer known for Glee and American Crime Story
  • ★Darren Hayes (1972-)
    Australian singer-songwriter, lead vocalist of Savage Garden
  • ★Darren Sammy (1983-)
    West Indian cricketer and former captain of the national team

If you like Darren…

Darrell— Dar- opening name from the same mid-century American tradition
Darian— Dar- opening name with the same Celtic feel
Draven— lands in the same popularity range
Daylen— lands in the same popularity range
Drayden— a fellow English choice

Explore names like Darren

By themeenglishclassictwo-syllableirishmid-centuryuncertain-origin

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Darren mean?

Darren's exact etymology is uncertain — possibly from Irish Gaelic Darragh (dark oak) or Dara (great). It may also be a 20th-century American coinage.

How do you pronounce Darren?

It's said DAIR-un — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Darren a boy or girl name?

Darren is used as a boys' name.

How popular is Darren?

Darren ranked #953 for U.S. boys in 2024.

💬 Ask Nia