Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Darren

Darren is a modern 20th century coinage, most likely derived from 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 and the tree leaves were believed to contain healing and renewal powers. In fact, the name “druid” may have come from the Celtic word ‘duir’ (oak). The oak tree makes 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.

All About the Baby Name – Darren

Personality

OF THE BOY NAME DARREN

Romance is the hallmark of the Six personality. They exude nurturing, loving, and caring energy. Sixes are in love with the idea of love in its idealized form - and with their magnetic personalities, they easily draw people toward them. Like the number Two personality, they seek balance and harmony in their life and the world at large. They are conscientious and service-oriented, and a champion for the underdog. These personalities naturally attract money and are usually surrounded by lovely material objects - but their human relationships are always primary. They thrive in giving back to others rather than being motivated by their own desires. This is when they achieve great things. Sixes are natural teachers, ministers and counselors.

Popularity

OF THE BOY NAME DARREN

Darren first appeared on the American male naming charts in 1952 and then again in 1957. However, between 1958 and 1960, the name shot up the charts a whopping 730 positions in three short years. This seems to have been influenced by actor Darren McGavin who was then starring in a popular TV series called “Riverboat”. Adding further currency to the name was the hugely successful comedy series “Bewitched” (1964-1972) in which Darrin Stephens was the mortal husband of the pretty young witch Samantha. During the airing of this show, the name Darren was at the height of his popularity and a Top 100 favorite boy’s name. Darren is an example of pop-culture influences on a name’s creation and/or success. As such, he was a bit of a fleeting fad. By the 1990s, the name was clearly on a backwards trajectory. Today the name is barely used in moderation, and it is certainly no longer on the American radar as it once was. Once a trendy choice of the 1960s, Darren is now an original choice for the 21st century. Although we have no doubt that this sturdy ‘little oak’ has taken root and will return to more prominent levels of usage again someday.

Quick Facts

ON DARREN

GENDER:

Boy

ORIGIN:

Celtic

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

2

RANKING POPULARITY:

467

PRONUNCIATION:

DARE-ən

SIMPLE MEANING:

Oak Tree; symbol of strength and wisdom

Characteristics

OF DARREN

Humanitarian

Community-minded

Family-oriented

Loving

Affectionate

Compassionate

Sensitive

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Darren

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME DARREN

We cannot find any significant literary characters by the name of Darren

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME DARREN

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Darren


Popular Songs

ON DARREN

We cannot find any popular or well-known songs with the name of Darren


Famous People

NAMED DARREN

Darren Aronofsky (director)
Darren Shan (author)
Darren McGavin (actor)
Darren Jessee (musician)
Darren Robinson (rap musician)
Darren Clarke (golfer)
Darren Huckerby (soccer player)
Darren Pang (hockey player)
Darren Rumble (hockey player)
Darren Sharper (football player)
Darren Wilson (basketball player)

Children of Famous People

NAMED DARREN

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Darren

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME DARREN

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Darren