Darryel
A masculine name of uncertain etymology and meaning.
Name Census estimates that about 201 living Americans carry the first name Darryel. The name is used almost exclusively for boys. The average person named Darryel today is around 62 years old, and the year with the single highest number of Darryel births was 1957 (18 babies).
This page is the full Name Census profile for Darryel. 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.
People living today
201
~ 1 in 1,705,245 Americans
Peak year
1957
18 babies that year
Average age
62
years old
1991 SSA rank
#8,472
Tracked since 1939
Popularity
Darryel: popularity over time
The SSA tracks Darryel from the 1930s through to the 1990s, spanning 7 decades of birth certificate data. The biggest single decade for the name was the 1960s, with 114 total registrations. Usage has dropped considerably from its 1960s peak. The most recent decade brought in only a fraction of the registrations that the name once attracted.
Babies born per year
Decades
Darryel 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 Darryel during that decade, along with a combined total. This is useful for spotting eras where the name surged or retreated.
Origin
Meaning and history of Darryel
The name Darryel is a unique and fascinating one with a rich history that spans multiple cultures and time periods. Its origins can be traced back to the ancient Celtic languages, where it is believed to have derived from the word "doir," meaning oak or oak tree.
In the early medieval period, the name Darryel gained popularity among Celtic communities in Ireland and Scotland. It was often associated with strength, resilience, and a connection to nature, reflecting the cultural significance of oak trees in these regions. The name was particularly prevalent in areas with strong druidic traditions, where oak trees held spiritual and symbolic importance.
One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Darryel can be found in the Annals of Ulster, a medieval Irish chronicle that dates back to the 15th century. Here, the name is mentioned in reference to a warrior and chieftain from the northern regions of Ireland.
Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Darryel. One such figure was Darryel MacCormick (1598-1673), a Scottish nobleman and military leader who played a pivotal role in the Wars of the Three Kingdoms during the 17th century. His unwavering courage and strategic acumen earned him a place in the annals of Scottish history.
Another prominent Darryel was Darryel O'Byrne (1725-1798), an Irish poet and bard who is renowned for his contributions to the preservation of traditional Irish literature and culture. His works served as a bridge between the ancient Celtic traditions and the modern era, ensuring that the rich heritage of his people was not lost to time.
In the realm of literature, Darryel Blackwood (1869-1951) was an influential American author and playwright. His works, which often explored themes of identity and social justice, garnered critical acclaim and paved the way for future generations of writers from diverse backgrounds.
Moving into the 20th century, Darryel Fitzpatrick (1919-2002) was a prominent Australian artist and sculptor. His remarkable works, which often drew inspiration from the natural world and indigenous cultures, adorned numerous public spaces and galleries across the country, leaving an indelible mark on the Australian art scene.
The name Darryel has also found its way into the world of sports, with Darryel Jackson (1947-2019) being a notable figure. A gifted basketball player, Jackson was a trailblazer who overcame numerous obstacles to become one of the first African American athletes to play professionally in Europe, paving the way for future generations of players.
These are just a few examples of the remarkable individuals who have carried the name Darryel throughout history. While the name may be less common in modern times, its rich legacy and connection to ancient traditions continue to captivate and inspire those who appreciate the power of names and their ability to carry cultural significance across generations.
People
Darryel + last name combinations
How many people share a full name with Darryel 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
Darryel: questions and answers
How many people in the U.S. are named Darryel?
Name Census puts the figure at roughly 201 living Americans. We arrive at this by taking every SSA birth registration for Darryel 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 1,705,245 US residents.
Is Darryel a common name?
We classify Darryel as "Very Rare". It ranks above 74.3% of all first names in the SSA dataset by living bearers. Across the full history of the data, 248 babies have been registered with this name.
When was Darryel most popular?
The single biggest year for Darryel was 1957, when 18 babies received the name. The fact that the average living Darryel is about 62 years old gives you a rough sense of which era contributed the most bearers who are still alive today.
Is Darryel a male name?
Yes, 100.0% of people registered as Darryel 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.
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.