Find out how popular the first name Darii has been for the last 2 years (from 2023 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Darii by gender

Based on the last 2 years of data, Darii is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Darii.

The history of the first name Darii

The given name Darii has its origins in the ancient Persian language, tracing back to the Achaemenid Empire of Persia, which flourished from the 6th to 4th centuries BCE. It is derived from the Old Persian word "dārayava," meaning "to possess" or "to hold." This name was borne by several Persian kings and nobles, most notably Darius the Great, who ruled the Achaemenid Empire from 522 to 486 BCE.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Darii can be found in the Behistun Inscription, a monumental rock relief carved on the orders of Darius the Great around 520 BCE. This inscription, written in three languages (Old Persian, Elamite, and Akkadian), details Darius' ascension to the throne and his victories over various rebellions.

In addition to Darius the Great, several other notable historical figures bore the name Darii. Darius II, also known as Darius the Younger or Darius Nothus, ruled the Achaemenid Empire from 423 to 404 BCE. Darius III, the last king of the Achaemenid Empire, reigned from 336 to 330 BCE until his defeat by Alexander the Great.

Outside of the Persian context, the name Darii has also been recorded in ancient Greek texts. Darii was the name of a Mede mentioned in the work of the Greek historian Herodotus, who lived in the 5th century BCE. The name is also mentioned in the works of the Greek geographer Strabo, who lived in the 1st century BCE to the 1st century CE.

In more recent history, the name Darii has been borne by several individuals, though not as prominently as in ancient times. Darii Novikov, a Russian physicist and mathematician, lived from 1923 to 1984 and made significant contributions to the field of theoretical physics. Darii Mikhailovich Kurkin, a Soviet actor and film director, was born in 1928 and had a prolific career in the Soviet film industry.

While the name Darii has its roots in ancient Persia and has been recorded throughout history, it is not as commonly used today as it once was. However, it remains a testament to the enduring cultural legacy of the ancient Persian civilization and its influence on naming traditions across the world.

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 Darii was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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