Dara is a name of Irish origin, derived from the ancient Gaelic word "dair", which means "fruitful" or "fertile". It has been traditionally used as a girl's name in Ireland for centuries, often chosen to symbolize prosperity and abundance.
The name Dara was popularized by several notable figures throughout history. One of the most famous is Dara Ó Briain, an Irish comedian and television presenter who gained international recognition through his appearances on shows like "Mock the Week" and "The Panel". Additionally, Dara Fitzgerald, a prominent figure in Irish politics during the 18th century, was born with this name.
In recent years, Dara has also been used as a boy's name, although it remains more commonly associated with girls. Despite its growing popularity among boys, the name still carries with it the positive connotations of prosperity and fertility that have been associated with it for generations.
Overall, whether you're looking for a name rich in history or one that symbolizes abundance and growth, Dara is an excellent choice that combines Irish heritage with universal appeal.
The name Dara has seen a significant rise and fall in popularity over the past century in the United States. Between 1893 and 1956, there were fewer than 150 births per year with this name, with some years seeing as few as five births.
However, beginning in 1957, there was a notable increase in the number of babies named Dara, reaching over 100 births per year for many consecutive years. The peak occurred in 1968 when there were 310 births, followed by another peak in 1980 with 431 births.
After the 1980s, the popularity of the name Dara began to decline. From 1990 onwards, the number of annual births with this name consistently fell below 250 per year. The lowest point was reached in recent years, with only 107 births recorded in 2023.
In total, from 1893 to 2023, there have been approximately 13,240 babies named Dara born in the United States. Despite its fluctuations in popularity over time, this unique name has maintained a steady presence among American baby names throughout history.