The name Dara is believed to have originated from the Persian language, and it can be traced back to ancient Persia (modern-day Iran) and the surrounding regions. The name is derived from the Persian word "dara," which means "wealthy" or "prosperous." It was a popular name among the ruling classes and nobility of ancient Persia.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Dara can be found in the ancient Persian epic, the Shahnameh, written by the poet Ferdowsi in the late 10th century. In this epic, Dara is mentioned as a character, although it is not clear whether this was a real person or a fictional figure.

The name Dara gained prominence during the Achaemenid Empire (550-330 BCE), which ruled over a vast territory stretching from the Indus Valley in the east to the Mediterranean Sea in the west. One of the most famous historical figures with the name Dara was Darius the Great (550-486 BCE), who ruled the Achaemenid Empire from 522 to 486 BCE and is credited with numerous military conquests and administrative reforms.

Another notable figure with the name Dara was Dara Shikoh (1615-1659), the eldest son of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. Dara Shikoh was a patron of the arts and a scholar who wrote several works on Sufism and mysticism. He was also a proponent of religious tolerance and sought to bridge the gap between Islam and Hinduism.

In the 19th century, Dara Singh Arora (1837-1913) was a renowned Sikh warrior and leader who played a pivotal role in the Indian Rebellion of 1857 against British colonial rule. He was known for his bravery and military tactics.

More recently, Dara Singh (1928-2012) was an Indian actor, wrestler, and former champion of the Commonwealth Games. He was a prominent figure in the Indian film industry and is considered one of the greatest wrestlers in India's history.

While the name Dara has its roots in ancient Persia, it has also been adopted in various cultures and languages around the world, including Arabic, Turkish, and Indian languages like Hindi and Punjabi.