"from Airelle (Norman village)"
Origin: Norman French
Language: English
Daryl
Pronunciation: [ d-EHR-uhl ]
Does Daryl flow with your last name?
A Norman French surname turned all-American classic
English
American
French
Vintage
Classic
Strong
Traditional
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Meaning & Origin
"dear, beloved"
Origin: Old English
Language: English
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Things to Know About This Name
- Associated with 'Darryl from The Walking Dead' (positive for fans)
- Slightly dated 1970s-80s American name connotation
The Story of Daryl
Daryl (also Darrell, Darryl) is an English surname turned given name, derived from the Norman French 'd'Airelle' — meaning 'from Airelle,' a place in Calvados, Normandy. The Airelle family came to England with the Norman Conquest of 1066, and their surname gradually evolved into a given name. It may also have connections to Old English 'deor' meaning 'dear' or 'beloved.'
Daryl peaked in popularity in the United States during the 1950s-1970s, when working-class, accessible names like Daryl, Duane, and Gary were fashionable. It has declined significantly since then. The character Daryl Dixon from The Walking Dead (since 2010) has kept the name culturally present for a new generation.
Daryl represents a distinctly mid-20th-century American name — solid, unpretentious, working-class in feel. It was boosted by musician Daryl Hall (Hall & Oates) in the 1970s-80s and has acquired a certain vintage credibility.
Historical Record
Daryl first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 54,535 babies have been named Daryl in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Daryl is past its peak , currently ranked #2,002 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Daryl Hall and John Oates formed one of the best-selling music duos of all time with hits like 'Rich Girl' and 'Sara Smile'
- Daryl Dixon from The Walking Dead is consistently voted one of the most beloved characters in TV history
Daryl in Other Languages
French
Daryl / Darrell
German
Daryl
Spanish
Daryl
Portuguese
Daryl
Popularity Over Time
#2,002
Current Rank
Peaked 1970
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Daryl
D
Daryl Hannah
Actor
1960
American actress known for Splash, Kill Bill, and Blade Runner
D
Daryl Hall
Musician
1946
American rock and soul singer, one half of Hall & Oates, one of the best-selling music duos of all time
D
Daryl Dixon Fictional
Other
Fictional crossbow-wielding survivor and fan-favorite character in AMC's The Walking Dead franchise
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #2,002
- Total SSA Count
- 77
- Cultural Origins
- English American French
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
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, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 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
Middle Names
Middle Names for Daryl
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Daryl is also used as a girl name, ranked #13616.
View Daryl as a girl name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Daryl
What does the name Daryl mean?
"from Airelle (Norman village)" (from Norman French). "dear, beloved" (from Old English). Daryl (also Darrell, Darryl) is an English surname turned given name, derived from the Norman French 'd'Airelle' — meaning 'from Airelle,' a place in Calvados, Normandy. The Airelle family came to England with the Norman Conquest of 1066, and their surname gradually evolved into a given name. It may also have connections to Old English 'deor' meaning 'dear' or 'beloved.'
What is the origin of the name Daryl?
Daryl has Norman French, Old English, English, American, and French origins. In Norman French, it means "from Airelle (Norman village)". In Old English, it means "dear, beloved".
Is Daryl a boy or girl name?
Daryl is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #2002. As a girl name, it is ranked #13616. Daryl is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Daryl?
Daryl is pronounced d-EHR-uhl.
How popular is the name Daryl?
Daryl is currently ranked #2002 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Daryl?
Common nicknames for Daryl include Dar.
What are good middle names for Daryl?
Popular middle name pairings include Daryl James, Daryl Wayne, Daryl Lee, Daryl Michael, Daryl Eugene, and Daryl Ray.
What are good sibling names for Daryl?
Names that pair well with Daryl as siblings include Duane, Randy, Tammy, Sheryl, Kevin, and Brenda.
How many syllables does Daryl have?
Daryl has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Daryl a common or rare name?
Daryl is an uncommon name, ranked #2002 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What boy names are similar to Daryl?
Are there other spellings for Daryl?
Related spellings include Daryan.
About the Name Daryl
Daryl is a boy name with English, American, and French origins . The name means "from Airelle (Norman village)" in Norman French .
Is Daryl a boy or girl name? Daryl is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #2,002 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #13,616. Daryl is more commonly used as a boy name.
Daryl is currently ranked #2,002 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Daryl has 2 syllables and is pronounced d-EHR-uhl, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Daryl include Dar. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Daryl include Daryan . 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