Darrayl
Meaning unknown, potentially a variant spelling of the name Darryl.
Name Census estimates that about 7 living Americans carry the first name Darrayl. The name is used almost exclusively for boys. The average person named Darrayl today is around 61 years old, and the year with the single highest number of Darrayl births was 1963 (8 babies).
This page is the full Name Census profile for Darrayl. Below you will find a gender breakdown showing how the name splits between male and female registrations, a year-by-year popularity chart stretching back to 1880, decade-level totals, the top US states for this name, its meaning and etymology, and a set of frequently asked questions with data-backed answers.
Key insights
- • Fewer than 100 living Americans are believed to carry the name Darrayl. It is among the rarest names in the SSA records.
People living today
7
~ 1 in 48,964,905 Americans
Peak year
1963
8 babies that year
Average age
61
years old
1963 SSA rank
#3,103
Tracked since 1963
Popularity
Darrayl: popularity over time
Babies born per year
Decades
Darrayl by decade
The table below breaks the full SSA timeline into ten-year windows. Each row shows how many male and female babies were given the name Darrayl during that decade, along with a combined total. This is useful for spotting eras where the name surged or retreated.
| Decade | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960s | 8 | 0 | 8 |
Origin
Meaning and history of Darrayl
The name Darrayl is a relatively uncommon given name that has its origins in the ancient Celtic language. It is believed to have originated from the Gaelic word "darach," which means "oak tree." The oak tree was a revered symbol in Celtic culture, representing strength, endurance, and longevity.
One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Darrayl can be traced back to the 6th century AD, when it was mentioned in an ancient Irish manuscript known as the Annals of Ulster. This manuscript chronicled the lives and events of the inhabitants of the region during that time period.
In the 9th century, a prominent figure named Darrayl mac Conchobair was mentioned in the Annals of Inisfallen, a medieval Irish chronicle. He was described as a chieftain and warrior who played a significant role in the battles against Viking invaders in Ireland.
During the Middle Ages, the name Darrayl gained popularity among the Celtic populations of Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. It was often associated with nobility and warriors, reflecting the strength and resilience symbolized by the oak tree.
One of the most notable historical figures bearing the name Darrayl was Darrayl O'Byrne, an Irish chieftain who lived in the 15th century. He was renowned for his leadership and bravery in defending his clan's territory against rival clans and English forces.
In the 17th century, Darrayl MacGregor was a notable Scottish clan chief who fought alongside the Jacobite forces during the Scottish Civil War. His unwavering loyalty and courage earned him a place in the annals of Scottish history.
Another prominent figure was Darrayl O'Donnell, an Irish nobleman and military commander who lived in the late 16th century. He played a crucial role in the Nine Years' War against English forces, leading his troops in several battles to defend Irish sovereignty.
While the name Darrayl has ancient roots and historical significance, it has remained relatively uncommon throughout the centuries. Nevertheless, its connection to the revered oak tree and its association with strength, endurance, and nobility have endured, making it a unique and meaningful choice for parents seeking a name with a rich cultural heritage.
People
Darrayl + last name combinations
How many people share a full name with Darrayl as the first name? Click a combination below to see the estimate, or search any pairing.
Related
Other names starting with D
Other first names starting with D with a similar number of bearers.
FAQ
Darrayl: questions and answers
How many people in the U.S. are named Darrayl?
Name Census puts the figure at roughly 7 living Americans. We arrive at this by taking every SSA birth registration for Darrayl going back to 1880 and adjusting each cohort for expected survival using CDC actuarial life tables. The result is an age-weighted living-bearer count, not a raw birth total. That works out to about 1 in 48,964,905 US residents.
Is Darrayl a common name?
We classify Darrayl as "Very Rare". It ranks above 23.8% of all first names in the SSA dataset by living bearers. Across the full history of the data, 8 babies have been registered with this name.
When was Darrayl most popular?
The single biggest year for Darrayl was 1963, when 8 babies received the name. The fact that the average living Darrayl is about 61 years old gives you a rough sense of which era contributed the most bearers who are still alive today.
What does the SSA popularity chart show?
The chart tracks births, not the number of people alive with the name today. Each point shows how many babies were given the name Darrayl in that year. That makes it useful for spotting when the name rose, peaked, or faded.
Is Darrayl a male name?
Yes, 100.0% of people registered as Darrayl in the SSA data are male. You can see the full per-sex comparison in the gender distribution section above, which includes the latest year rank, birth count, and peak year for each sex.
Is Darrayl still being used today?
Yes. The SSA still recorded Darrayl in 2024, and the page above shows its latest-year rank where available. A name can be well past its peak and still remain in steady use, especially if it built up a large population over earlier decades.
Why can a name have a lot of living bearers even if it is not trendy now?
Because living-bearer counts and current baby-name popularity measure different things. A name like Darrayl can build up a very large population over many decades, even if fewer parents are choosing it now than they did at its peak.
Where does this data come from?
First-name figures come from the Social Security Administration's national baby name files, which cover every name on a birth certificate from 1880 to 2024. Living-bearer estimates layer in CDC actuarial life tables broken out by sex to account for mortality. The population baseline (342,754,338) is the Census Bureau's latest national estimate. You can read the full calculation on our methodology page.
Does every first name have Census demographic data?
No. The public Census first-name release only covers names that met the Bureau's publication rules, so many rarer names in the SSA files do not have a published Census demographic snapshot. In those cases, the page still shows the SSA trend, gender history, and state data.
How many people share the name Darrayl?
You can see how many people share the name Darrayl on our sister site HowManyOfMe.org — same data roots, lighter UI.