"bold, to have courage"
Origin: Old English
Language: English
Dare
Pronunciation: [ d-EHR ]
A single-syllable name that is pure, unapologetic boldness
American
English
Bold
Modern
Minimalist
Strong
Unique
Meaning & Origin
"she who maintains possessions"
Origin: Persian via Latin (short for Daria)
Language: English
The Story of Dare
Dare as a name takes the English verb and noun 'dare' — meaning to be bold enough to do something — and transforms it into an identity. The word comes from Old English 'durran,' related to Old Norse 'þora,' both meaning to have courage, to venture. Dare can also function as a short form of Daria, the Persian-rooted feminine form of Darius meaning she who maintains possessions. Either way, the name projects pure, unconflicted boldness.
Dare is part of the growing trend of single-syllable virtue and action word names for girls — names like Brave, True, and Fierce that project qualities rather than traditions. As parents seek names that feel like statements, one-word names with clear meanings have gained ground. Virginia Dare (1587), the first English child born in America, gave the name historical weight.
Virginia Dare was the first child born to English settlers in the Americas, in the ill-fated Roanoke Colony of 1587. Her disappearance — along with all the Roanoke colonists — remains one of America's enduring mysteries. The name Dare thus carries both boldness and historical intrigue.
Fun Facts
- Virginia Dare, born August 18, 1587, was the first English child born in what is now the United States — her fate remains an unsolved historical mystery
- The word 'dare' in English has remained nearly unchanged since Old English, showing how deeply rooted the concept of bold courage is in the language
Dare in Other Languages
Latin
Audax
French
Osé
Spanish
Atrevida
Popularity Over Time
#69,020
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Famous People Named Dare
V
Virginia Dare
Other
1587
The first English child born in the Americas, part of the lost Roanoke Colony — one of history's great unsolved mysterie...
The first English child born in the Americas, part of the lost Roanoke Colony — one of history's great unsolved mysteries
D
Dare (DC Comics) Fictional
Other
Daring adventure characters across DC and Marvel comics have borne this name, cementing its association with bravery
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 1
- Popularity Rank
- #69,020
- Total SSA Count
- 5
- Cultural Origins
- American English
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Casual
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Dare is also used as a boy name, ranked #38741.
View Dare as a boy name →Similar Names
See all names like Dare →Compare Dare with...
Same Origin Names (American)
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About Dare
What does the name Dare mean?
"bold, to have courage" (from Old English). "she who maintains possessions" (from Persian via Latin (short for Daria)). Dare as a name takes the English verb and noun 'dare' — meaning to be bold enough to do something — and transforms it into an identity. The word comes from Old English 'durran,' related to Old Norse 'þora,' both meaning to have courage, to venture. Dare can also function as a short form of Daria, the Persian-rooted feminine form of Darius meaning she who maintains possessions. Either way, the name projects pure, unconflicted boldness.
What is the origin of the name Dare?
Dare has Old English, Persian via Latin (short for Daria), American, and English origins. In Old English, it means "bold, to have courage". In Persian via Latin (short for Daria), it means "she who maintains possessions".
Is Dare a boy or girl name?
Dare is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #69020. As a boy name, it is ranked #38741. Dare is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Dare?
Dare is pronounced d-EHR.
How popular is the name Dare?
Dare is currently ranked #69020 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Dare?
Popular middle name pairings include Dare Rose, Dare Louise, Dare Jane, Dare Quinn, Dare Blue, Dare Wren, and Dare Sky.
What are good sibling names for Dare?
Names that pair well with Dare as siblings include Brave, True, Fierce, Wild, Fable, Story, and Hero.
How many syllables does Dare have?
Dare has 1 syllable, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Dare a common or rare name?
Dare is an uncommon name, ranked #69020 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Dare
Dare is a girl name with American and English origins . The name means "bold, to have courage" in Old English .
Is Dare a boy or girl name? Dare is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #69,020 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #38,741. Dare is more commonly used as a boy name.
Dare is currently ranked #69,020 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Dare has 1 syllable and is pronounced d-EHR, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Alternative spellings of Dare include Darcy, Dara, Darla, Dariana, Darlene . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.