Darien

Given the timing of Darian and Darien’s emergence as given names (1960s) they were probably derived from Darren (a name which reached his peak popularity in the 1960s, as well). Darren is also a fairly modern coinage, likely inspired by the Irish unisex name Darragh a diminutive of Dara meaning “little oak”. The oak tree was a powerful symbol to the Celtic people; it represented strength, vitality, nobility and wisdom. The ancient Druids (Celtic priests) would eat the acorns for wisdom before prophesying. The oak tree’s leaves were also believed to contain healing and renewal powers. In fact, the name “druid” may have very well come from the Celtic word “duir” (oak). The oak tree produces some of the thickest, most useful wood for warmth (fire burning) and shelter (construction). The oak’s nobility comes from its undeniable regal appearance; it was also known to attract lightning which reinforced its powerful symbolism to the Celts. Mostly popular in the United States, Darren also has a history of being used throughout Ireland (north and south) as well as Scotland. Alternately, Darian and Darien could have been coined from Darius, which is a Greek transliteration of a Persian name meaning “possessor of good”. In either case, Darian and Darien have been used with a decent amount of regularity since the 1960s and mainly in the United States.