Darren is a name of Irish origin and means "strong" or "bold". It is derived from the ancient Irish surname O'Dubhthair, which translates to "descendant of the dark-haired one".
The name Darren first gained popularity in Ireland during the Middle Ages and has since spread throughout the English-speaking world. Despite its Irish roots, it was not particularly common in Ireland until recent decades.
In terms of history, there are no notable figures named Darren that stand out significantly in historical records. However, there is a fictional character named Darren Shan who appears in a popular series of children's books called "The Saga of Darren Shan" by British author Darren Shan (born Darren O'Shaughnessy).
Overall, the name Darren is an attractive choice for parents looking to give their child a strong and distinctive name with Irish origins. Its meaning adds an appealing layer of symbolism, conveying strength and boldness in a straightforward manner.
The name Darren saw a significant increase in popularity from the late 1950s to the mid-1960s, peaking with 5937 births in 1965, followed by another peak of 4720 births in 1966. After these high points, the number of babies named Darren began to decline steadily until the late 1970s when it stabilized around 1500-1600 births per year for about a decade. Since then, there has been a consistent downward trend, with only 222 births in 2023, marking a significant decrease from its peak nearly six decades ago.