Find out how popular the first name Darien has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Darien by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Darien is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 86% of people named Darien being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 131 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Darien.

The history of the first name Darien

The given name Darien has its roots in the Persian language, originating from the word "dara" which means "wealthy" or "prosperous." This name can be traced back to ancient Persia, present-day Iran, during the Achaemenid Empire period between 550-330 BC.

The name Darien gained prominence in the ancient world due to its association with Darius the Great, one of the most influential rulers of the Achaemenid Empire. Darius I, who reigned from 522-486 BC, was responsible for expanding the Persian Empire to its greatest extent, stretching from the Indus River in the east to parts of Greece in the west.

In the biblical Book of Nehemiah, which is part of the Hebrew Bible and the Old Testament, there is a reference to a person named Darius. This Darius is believed to be Darius II, who ruled the Persian Empire from 423-404 BC. The name is also mentioned in other ancient texts, including the works of Greek historians such as Herodotus and Xenophon.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Darien can be found in the 5th century BC, with Darius III, the last king of the Achaemenid Empire. He was defeated by Alexander the Great in 330 BC, marking the end of the Persian Empire.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Darien. These include:

1. Darius I (550-486 BC), the famous Persian king mentioned earlier.
2. Darius II (423-404 BC), a Persian king referenced in the Book of Nehemiah.
3. Darius III (380-330 BC), the last king of the Achaemenid Empire.
4. Darius the Persian, a character in the play "A Midsummer Night's Dream" by William Shakespeare (1564-1616).
5. Darius Milhaud (1892-1974), a French composer and teacher, known for his innovative use of jazz elements in classical music.

The name Darien has continued to be used across various cultures and regions, albeit with variations in spelling and pronunciation. Its Persian origins and historical associations with influential figures have contributed to its enduring popularity as a given name.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Darien was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Darien, please contact us.

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