"oak tree, oak grove"
Origin: Irish Gaelic
Language: Irish
Dara
Pronunciation: [ d-AR-uh ]
Does Dara flow with your last name?
Oak tree strength across Irish, Hebrew, and Persian roots
Irish
Jewish
Persian
American
Earthy
Literary
Classic
Gentle
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Meaning & Origin
"pearl of wisdom"
Origin: Hebrew
Language: Hebrew
"wealthy, possessor"
Origin: Persian/Arabic
Language: Persian
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The Story of Dara
Dara is a name with three distinct roots across three cultures. In Irish, it derives from 'doire' meaning 'oak tree' or 'oak grove,' a sacred tree in Celtic tradition associated with strength and wisdom. In Hebrew, Dara (דָּרַע) appears in the Bible as a name meaning 'pearl of wisdom.' In Persian/Arabic, 'Dara' means 'wealthy' or 'possessing' and was borne by the Achaemenid king Darius. This remarkable triple heritage gives the name deep roots across multiple civilizations.
Dara is a quiet classic that has never dominated charts but has maintained consistent use across Irish-American and Jewish communities. As a name that works across genders and cultures, it has endured while many trendier names have faded. Irish comedian Dara O'Briain has kept the name visible internationally.
In Ireland, Dara (also spelled Daragh for boys) is a traditional name with ancient roots. The oak (doire) was sacred to the Druids, and many Irish place names incorporate this element (Derry/Londonderry means 'oak grove'). For Jewish families, the biblical Dara represents wisdom in the Hebrew tradition.
Historical Record
Dara first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 13,071 babies have been named Dara in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Dara is past its peak , currently ranked #1,029 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- The city of Derry (Londonderry) in Northern Ireland takes its name from 'doire' (oak grove), the same root as the name Dara
- Dara appears in 1 Kings 4:31 in the Hebrew Bible as a person renowned for wisdom, second only to Solomon
- Dara O'Briain, the Irish comedian and TV presenter, is one of the name's most internationally recognized modern bearers
Dara in Other Languages
Irish
Dara/Darach
Arabic
دارا
Hebrew
דָּרַע
English
Dara
Persian
داریا
Popularity Over Time
#1,029
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Peaked 1981
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Dara
D
Dara O'Briain
Entertainer
1972
Irish comedian, TV presenter, and science enthusiast known for Mock the Week and hosting science shows; one of Ireland's...
Irish comedian, TV presenter, and science enthusiast known for Mock the Week and hosting science shows; one of Ireland's most beloved comedians
D
Dara Torres
Athlete
1967
American swimmer who competed in five Olympic Games (1984-2008) and won 12 Olympic medals, becoming the oldest swimmer t...
American swimmer who competed in five Olympic Games (1984-2008) and won 12 Olympic medals, becoming the oldest swimmer to win an Olympic medal at age 41
D
Dara Singh
Athlete
1928
Indian wrestler and actor who was the first professional wrestling world champion from India; later became a beloved Bol...
Indian wrestler and actor who was the first professional wrestling world champion from India; later became a beloved Bollywood actor
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Compare Dara with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #1,029
- Total SSA Count
- 244
- Cultural Origins
- Irish Jewish Persian American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Dare
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, Irish heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Dara
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Dara is also used as a boy name, ranked #3573.
View Dara as a boy name →Similar Names
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"star, she who carries across"
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"who is like God? (none compares)"
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Frequently Asked Questions About Dara
What does the name Dara mean?
"oak tree, oak grove" (from Irish Gaelic). "pearl of wisdom" (from Hebrew). "wealthy, possessor" (from Persian/Arabic). Dara is a name with three distinct roots across three cultures. In Irish, it derives from 'doire' meaning 'oak tree' or 'oak grove,' a sacred tree in Celtic tradition associated with strength and wisdom. In Hebrew, Dara (דָּרַע) appears in the Bible as a name meaning 'pearl of wisdom.' In Persian/Arabic, 'Dara' means 'wealthy' or 'possessing' and was borne by the Achaemenid king Darius. This remarkable triple heritage gives the name deep roots across multiple civilizations.
What is the origin of the name Dara?
Dara has Irish Gaelic, Hebrew, Persian/Arabic, Irish, Jewish, Persian, and American origins. In Irish Gaelic, it means "oak tree, oak grove". In Hebrew, it means "pearl of wisdom". In Persian/Arabic, it means "wealthy, possessor".
Is Dara a boy or girl name?
Dara is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #1029. As a boy name, it is ranked #3573. Dara is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Dara?
Dara is pronounced d-AR-uh.
How popular is the name Dara?
Dara is currently ranked #1029 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Dara?
Common nicknames for Dara include Dare.
What are good middle names for Dara?
Popular middle name pairings include Dara Mae, Dara Rose, Dara Jane, Dara Lynn, Dara Claire, Dara Louise, and Dara Ann.
What are good sibling names for Dara?
Names that pair well with Dara as siblings include Fiona, Niamh, Ciaran, Orla, Declan, Sinead, and Brendan.
How many syllables does Dara have?
Dara has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Dara a common or rare name?
Dara is an uncommon name, ranked #1029 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What girl names are similar to Dara?
About the Name Dara
Dara is a girl name with Irish, Jewish, Persian, and American origins . The name means "oak tree, oak grove" in Irish Gaelic .
Is Dara a boy or girl name? Dara is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #1,029 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #3,573. Dara is more commonly used as a girl name.
Dara is currently ranked #1,029 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Dara has 2 syllables and is pronounced d-AR-uh, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Dara include Dare. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Dara include Darcy, Darla, Dariana, Darlene, Daria . 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