Darryl is a name of English origin that has gained popularity in recent years. It is believed to have derived from the Old English word "dari" which means "dear" or "beloved". The name Darryl can also be considered a variant spelling of the Irish name Daire, which is thought to mean "fruitful" or "fertile".
The name Darryl has been used in various forms throughout history. In the Middle Ages, it was used as a given name for boys in England. However, its use became more popular in the 20th century when it started to be used as both a first and middle name.
Today, Darryl is considered a modern classic name that is often associated with strength, confidence, and charm. It has been used by many notable figures throughout history, including American actor Darryl Hannah and Canadian singer Darryl Holmes. Despite its popularity in recent years, Darryl remains a relatively rare name compared to other names of English origin.
In terms of popularity, Darryl peaked in the United States during the 1970s when it reached its highest ranking on the Social Security Administration's list of most popular baby names. However, its usage has declined since then and is now considered less common than it once was.
Overall, Darryl is a name with a rich history that spans centuries and cultures. Its meaning of "dear" or "beloved" makes it a fitting choice for parents looking to give their child a name with a positive connotation.
The name Darryl has seen a significant rise and fall in popularity over the years in the United States, as evidenced by the birth statistics provided.
In the early 20th century, the name Darryl was relatively uncommon, with fewer than 10 births per year from 1913 to 1923. However, starting in 1924, there was a notable increase in the number of births registered as Darryl, with 12 births that year.
The trend continued upward throughout the 1930s and 1940s, reaching a peak of 650 births in 1946. This growth can be attributed to the post-World War II baby boom. The name Darryl remained popular throughout the 1950s and early 1960s, with over 2,000 births per year from 1959 to 1963.
However, beginning in the mid-1960s, there was a significant decline in the popularity of the name Darryl. By 1972, the number of births had fallen to 900, and it continued to decrease throughout the rest of the century.
In the 21st century, the name Darryl has become even less common, with fewer than 200 births per year since 2005. In recent years, there have been around 80-130 births registered as Darryl annually in the United States.
Overall, while Darryl was once a popular name in the mid-20th century, its popularity has declined significantly over time. Despite this, it remains a name with historical significance and may still be chosen by parents looking for a unique or classic name for their child.