The name Darrien is a variation of the French name Darien, which has its origins in the Old French word "darien" meaning "from Darius." Darius was a Persian king who ruled the Achaemenid Empire from 522 to 486 BC. The name Darrien is believed to have been derived from this ancient Persian ruler's name, Darius.

The name Darrien is thought to have first appeared in Europe during the Middle Ages, particularly in France and other parts of Western Europe. It was likely introduced to the region by travelers or merchants who had interactions with the Persian Empire or individuals familiar with the name's Persian origins.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Darrien can be found in the 12th-century French epic poem "La Chanson de Roland," which tells the story of the Battle of Roncevaux Pass during the reign of Charlemagne. In the poem, a character named Darrien is mentioned as one of the warriors fighting alongside Roland.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Darrien. One of the earliest was Darrien de Mauléon (c. 1220-1292), a French nobleman and military leader who played a significant role in the Albigensian Crusade against the Cathars in southern France.

Another prominent figure was Darrien de Saint-André (c. 1505-1575), a French Protestant theologian and reformer who advocated for the translation of the Bible into the vernacular languages of Europe.

In the 17th century, Darrien de Grandpré (1634-1699) was a French explorer and fur trader who established trading posts in the Great Lakes region of North America, paving the way for further French exploration and colonization in the area.

During the 18th century, Darrien d'Erlon (1765-1844) was a French military commander who served under Napoleon Bonaparte and played a crucial role in several major battles, including the Battle of Waterloo.

In more recent times, Darrien Bender (1934-2020) was an American artist and sculptor known for his large-scale public artworks and his innovative use of materials such as stainless steel and concrete.