Darl is a unique and distinctive given name of English origin. It is derived from the Old English word "dæl," which means "portion" or "share." The name Darl is believed to have been used as a diminutive form of names containing the element "dale," such as Darling, Darley, or Darnall.
The name Darl has not always been widely popular. It was more commonly used in the late 19th and early 20th centuries but has since declined in usage. However, it remains a distinctive choice for parents looking for an uncommon yet meaningful name for their child.
There is no specific historical figure or event associated with the name Darl. Its meaning and origin make it a unisex name, although it is more commonly given to boys in English-speaking countries.
In literature, one notable appearance of the name Darl is in Flannery O'Connor's novel "The Violent Bear It Away." The protagonist, Darl Bundren, is a complex character who struggles with mental illness and his relationships with his family members. This literary association may contribute to the name's somewhat enigmatic image.
Overall, Darl is an unusual yet meaningful given name with an English heritage. Its origin and meaning make it a unique choice for parents seeking something different from traditional names.
Based on the statistical data provided, it appears that the number of births with the name Darl in the United States fluctuated during the period from 1921 to 1959. The earliest year recorded had 9 births, while the latest year had 8 births. It is interesting to note that the majority of years within this time frame saw between 5 and 6 births per year for this name. Specifically, there were five occurrences where exactly 5 babies named Darl were born in a given year (1922, 1930, 1938, 1942, and 1959). Additionally, there were two years with 6 births each (1933 and 1946), and one year with 9 births (1935). In total, over this period of time, there were 63 babies born in the United States who were named Darl.