"from Airelle (Norman place name)"
Origin: Old French/Norman
Language: English
Darryl
Pronunciation: [ d-EHR-uhl ]
Boy Name
#1,803 Most Popular
Hidden Gem
2 Syllables
A Norman French name meaning from the beloved homeland
English
American
African-American
Classic
Vintage
Strong
Traditional
Earthy
Meaning & Origin
"dear, beloved"
Origin: Old English
Language: English
The Story of Darryl
Darryl is a variant of Darrell (also Daryl, Darrel), which originated as an English surname from the Norman French place name Airelle in Calvados, Normandy. The family who came from this place brought the name to England after the Norman Conquest of 1066. The name also may have been reinforced by the Old English term for dear or beloved. From a surname, it evolved into a given name in the 20th century.
Darryl and its variants were popular in the US primarily in the 1950s-1970s, peaking in the mid-20th century. The name gained visibility through actor Daryl Hannah, baseball player Darryl Strawberry, and the beloved character Darryl from The Office. It represents a classic mid-century American name now associated with a particular generation.
Darryl represents the American tradition of Norman-French surnames becoming mainstream given names, common throughout the 20th century. In African-American naming traditions, Darryl was embraced alongside similar names like Terrell and Darnell as aspirational middle-class names of the 1960s-80s.
Fun Facts
- Darryl Strawberry was one of the most talented baseball players of the 1980s, playing for the Mets and Yankees
- Darryl from The Office (played by Craig Robinson) became one of the most beloved characters in the show's run
Darryl in Other Languages
French
Darryl
English
Darrell
Spanish
Darryl
Famous People Named Darryl
D
Darryl Strawberry
Athlete
1962
American baseball outfielder who was one of the most powerful hitters of the 1980s, playing for the Mets and Yankees
D
Daryl Hannah
Actor
1960
American actress known for Splash, Blade Runner, Kill Bill, and environmental activism
D
Darryl (The Office) Fictional
Other
Fictional warehouse foreman-turned-executive at Dunder Mifflin in The Office, played by Craig Robinson
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #1,803
- Total SSA Count
- 91
- Cultural Origins
- English American African-American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Dar
D
Pairs Well With
Darryl James
Darryl Lee
Darryl Wayne
Darryl Eugene
Darryl Ray
Darryl Lynn
Darryl Scott
Sibling Names
Also a Girl Name
Darryl is also used as a girl name, ranked #36834.
View Darryl as a girl name →Similar Names
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About Darryl
What does the name Darryl mean?
"from Airelle (Norman place name)" (from Old French/Norman). "dear, beloved" (from Old English). Darryl is a variant of Darrell (also Daryl, Darrel), which originated as an English surname from the Norman French place name Airelle in Calvados, Normandy. The family who came from this place brought the name to England after the Norman Conquest of 1066. The name also may have been reinforced by the Old English term for dear or beloved. From a surname, it evolved into a given name in the 20th century.
What is the origin of the name Darryl?
Darryl has Old French/Norman, Old English, English, American, and African-American origins. In Old French/Norman, it means "from Airelle (Norman place name)". In Old English, it means "dear, beloved".
Is Darryl a boy or girl name?
Darryl is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #1803. As a girl name, it is ranked #36834. Darryl is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Darryl?
Darryl is pronounced d-EHR-uhl.
How popular is the name Darryl?
Darryl is currently ranked #1803 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Darryl?
Common nicknames for Darryl include Dar and D.
What are good middle names for Darryl?
Popular middle name pairings include Darryl James, Darryl Lee, Darryl Wayne, Darryl Eugene, Darryl Ray, Darryl Lynn, and Darryl Scott.
What are good sibling names for Darryl?
Names that pair well with Darryl as siblings include Terrell, Darnell, Marcus, Kevin, Tonya, Cheryl, and Darlene.
How many syllables does Darryl have?
Darryl has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Darryl a common or rare name?
Darryl is an uncommon name, ranked #1803 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Darryl
Darryl is a boy name with English, American, and African-American origins . The name means "from Airelle (Norman place name)" in Old French/Norman .
Is Darryl a boy or girl name? Darryl is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #1,803 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #36,834. Darryl is more commonly used as a boy name.
Darryl is currently ranked #1,803 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Darryl has 2 syllables and is pronounced d-EHR-uhl, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Darryl include Dar and D. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Darryl include Darren, Darrell, Darrius, Darrin, Darrion . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.