Darius is an ancient name of Persian origin, derived from the Old Persian word 'Dārayava(h)uš'. It was popularized by Darius I, the founder of the Achaemenid Empire in the 6th century BC. The name Darius has a significant historical context, being associated with one of the most powerful and extensive empires in ancient history.
In the English-speaking world, Darius is often Anglicized to 'Darius'. It is pronounced as /ˈdæriəs/. Its popularity as a given name has waxed and waned over time. While it was more common during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it regained some traction in the latter part of the 20th century and into the 21st.
The name Darius is also found in other languages and cultures. In Greek, it's rendered as 'Δαρεῖος' (Dareîos), while in Latin, it's 'Darius'. In modern times, variations include Darío (Spanish) and Dario (Italian). The name has also been used by several notable figures throughout history and literature, further adding to its rich tapestry of meanings and associations.
"The name Darius experienced a notable rise in popularity between 1989 and 1996, with a peak of 16 births in 1996. However, it has since seen a decline, with fewer than 10 births per year from 1997 onwards."