"spear, from the oak grove"
Origin: Old English
Language: English
Darrow
Pronunciation: [ d-EHR-oh ]
Does Darrow flow with your last name?
A surname name echoing the great defender Clarence Darrow
English
American
Strong
Bold
Unique
Vintage
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The Story of Darrow
Darrow is an English surname that originated as a place name or occupational name, possibly derived from the Old English 'dar' (spear) or from places named Darrow in England. It is most famously associated with Clarence Darrow (1857-1938), the legendary American defense attorney who argued the Scopes 'Monkey Trial' and became a symbol of civil liberties. As a given name, Darrow carries a strong intellectual and principled connotation.
Darrow as a given name is rare, most often encountered as a surname. Parents drawn to surname-style first names with strong historical associations have occasionally used it, particularly those interested in American legal history or civil liberties.
Clarence Darrow is the defining cultural touchstone for the name — the brilliant, rumpled, tobacco-chewing defender of the accused who argued against the death penalty and for evolution. The name carries an association with principled nonconformism and intellectual courage.
Historical Record
Darrow first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 618 babies have been named Darrow in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Darrow is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #4,119 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Clarence Darrow defended John Scopes in the 1925 Scopes 'Monkey Trial' over the teaching of evolution in Tennessee
- Darrow appears as a character name in science fiction (notably Red Rising by Pierce Brown) symbolizing rebellion against oppressive systems
Popularity Over Time
#4,119
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Rising Fast
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Darrow
C
Clarence Darrow
Other
1857
Legendary American defense attorney known for the Scopes Trial and his opposition to the death penalty
D
Darrow (Red Rising) Fictional
Other
The protagonist of Pierce Brown's bestselling Red Rising sci-fi series, a rebel fighting against a caste society
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Compare Darrow with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #4,119
- Total SSA Count
- 26
- Cultural Origins
- English American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Dare
Dar
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Darrow
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Frequently Asked Questions About Darrow
What does the name Darrow mean?
"spear, from the oak grove" (from Old English). Darrow is an English surname that originated as a place name or occupational name, possibly derived from the Old English 'dar' (spear) or from places named Darrow in England. It is most famously associated with Clarence Darrow (1857-1938), the legendary American defense attorney who argued the Scopes 'Monkey Trial' and became a symbol of civil liberties. As a given name, Darrow carries a strong intellectual and principled connotation.
What is the origin of the name Darrow?
Darrow has Old English, English, and American origins. In Old English, it means "spear, from the oak grove".
Is Darrow a boy or girl name?
Darrow is primarily used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Darrow?
Darrow is pronounced d-EHR-oh.
How popular is the name Darrow?
Darrow is currently ranked #4119 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Darrow?
Common nicknames for Darrow include Dare and Dar.
What are good middle names for Darrow?
Popular middle name pairings include Darrow James, Darrow Lee, Darrow Cole, Darrow Grant, Darrow Lane, and Darrow Reid.
What are good sibling names for Darrow?
Names that pair well with Darrow as siblings include Marlowe, Harlow, Greer, Cormac, Lennox, and Everly.
How many syllables does Darrow have?
Darrow has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Darrow a common or rare name?
Darrow is an uncommon name, ranked #4119 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What boy names are similar to Darrow?
About the Name Darrow
Darrow is a boy name with English and American origins . The name means "spear, from the oak grove" in Old English .
Darrow is currently ranked #4,119 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Darrow has 2 syllables and is pronounced d-EHR-oh, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Darrow include Dare and Dar. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Darrow include Darren, Darrell, Darryl, Darrius, Darrin . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis