Darlane is a unique and distinctive given name of American origin. It is derived from the combination of two popular names, "Darla" and "Lane." Darlane is often used as a female name, but it can also be used for males.
The name Darla is believed to have been coined by American playwright and screenwriter Fannie Hurst in her 1924 novel "Back Street," although its popularity soared after it was used as the main character's name in the 1959 film version of the book. The meaning of Darla is not clear, but some believe it could be derived from Old German words such as 'dart' or 'dark,' with possible meanings like "bright" or "noble."
The name Lane, on the other hand, has English origins and means "from the lane." It can also refer to someone who lives near a roadway lined with trees. Lane is a popular surname in many parts of the world, but it has also been used as a given name for both males and females.
The combination of Darla and Lane creates the unique name Darlane, which has not been widely used throughout history but has gained some popularity in recent years. It is often associated with the southern United States, where Hurst's original novel was set.
In terms of its popularity, Darlane is not one of the most common names. According to data from the Social Security Administration, there have only been a handful of babies named Darlane each year since records began in 1960. This rarity can contribute to its uniqueness and appeal for those who choose to name their child Darlane.
Overall, Darlane is an unusual and interesting given name with American origins that combines elements from two separate names, Darla and Lane. Its meaning and history are not well-documented, but this has not hindered its use as a distinctive choice for parents seeking a unique name for their child.
The name Darlane has been given to a total of 30 babies born in the United States over several years. The earliest recorded birth year is 1946, with 7 newborns receiving this name that year. In the following year, 1947, there were 5 births named Darlane.
There was another spike in popularity for the name Darlane in 1949, with another 5 babies being given this name at birth. However, it seems that its usage decreased somewhat over the next decade or so, as only one child was named Darlane each year between 1950 and 1962.
Interestingly enough, there was a revival of sorts for the name Darlane in 1963, with another 7 babies being born with this unique moniker. This brings the total number of individuals sharing this name to 30 over the years studied.