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

Popularity of Darren by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Darren is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 100% of people named Darren being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 222 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Darren.

The history of the first name Darren

The name Darren is of Celtic origin, specifically derived from the Irish Gaelic word 'dara' which means 'fertile' or 'fruitful'. Its roots can be traced back to ancient Ireland and Scotland, where it was commonly used as a first name for boys born into farming communities.

Throughout the Middle Ages, the name Darren was particularly popular among the Gaelic-speaking populations of Ireland and Scotland. It was often associated with prosperity and abundance, reflecting the agricultural heritage of these regions. While the name does not appear to have any direct references in ancient texts or religious scriptures, it was widely used within these Celtic cultures.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Darren can be found in Irish genealogical records from the 12th century. The first notable individual bearing this name was Darren O'Loughlin, an Irish chieftain who lived in the late 12th century and played a significant role in the struggles against Norman invaders in Ireland.

In the 16th century, Darren MacLean was a Scottish poet and translator, renowned for his works in both Gaelic and English. His birth and death dates are unknown, but he is believed to have lived during the reign of King James VI of Scotland.

Another historical figure with the name Darren was Darren O'Sullivan, an Irish rebel leader who participated in the Irish Rebellion of 1641 against English rule. He was born around 1610 and was ultimately executed for his involvement in the uprising.

In the 19th century, Darren O'Malley was an Irish scholar and linguist who made significant contributions to the preservation of the Irish language and culture. He was born in 1830 and dedicated his life to documenting and teaching the Gaelic language.

Darren O'Brien, born in 1888, was an Irish politician and activist who played a prominent role in the Irish independence movement. He served as a member of the Irish Republican Army and later became a member of the Irish Parliament.

While the name Darren has maintained its Celtic roots, it has also gained popularity in other parts of the world, particularly in English-speaking countries. However, its historical significance and cultural origins remain deeply rooted in the Celtic nations of Ireland and Scotland.

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

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

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