The name Darian has its roots in the Persian language, originating from the ancient Persian word "dara," which means "wealthy" or "prosperous." This name gained prominence during the Achaemenid Empire, which ruled over a vast territory spanning modern-day Iran, Turkey, and parts of Central Asia between 550 BCE and 330 BCE.

One of the earliest known historical figures with the name Darian was Darius I, also known as Darius the Great, who ruled the Achaemenid Empire from 522 BCE to 486 BCE. He is renowned for his administrative reforms, construction projects, and military conquests, including the expansion of the Persian Empire into parts of modern-day Greece and India.

In ancient Greek texts, such as the works of Herodotus and Xenophon, the name Darian is sometimes spelled as "Dareios" or "Dariaios." These variations reflect the adaptation of the Persian name into the Greek language and culture.

During the Middle Ages, the name Darian gained popularity among various cultures influenced by the Persian Empire, including parts of the Middle East and Central Asia. In Islamic literature and historical records, the name is sometimes rendered as "Dariyan" or "Daryan."

One notable historical figure with the name Darian was Dariyan al-Attar, a 12th-century Persian poet and mystic from Nishapur, in present-day Iran. His poetic works, often imbued with Sufi themes, contributed significantly to the rich literary traditions of the region.

In the European context, the name Darian has been used sporadically throughout history, sometimes as a variation of the more common names like Darius or Darian. One example is Darian Brock, a 17th-century English author and translator who was born in 1628 and is best known for his translations of French works into English.

Another notable figure with the name Darian was Darian Leader, a British psychoanalyst and author born in 1958. He is renowned for his contributions to the field of psychoanalytic theory and his works exploring the intersection of psychoanalysis and culture.

During the 19th century, the name Darian gained some popularity in parts of Europe and North America, often used as a variant of the more common names like Darius or Darren. One example is Darian Hicks, an American abolitionist and educator who was born in 1809 and played a significant role in promoting education and civil rights for African Americans in the United States.