Darby Unisex

Popularity: #880 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: DAR-bee //ˈdɑːr.bi//

Origin: Irish; English

Meaning: Irish: 'free from envy'; English: 'from the deer estate'

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Darby has its roots in Old Norse, derived from the place name "Darby," which is believed to mean "deer town" or "town of the deer." This etymology can be traced back to the Old Norse elements "dýr," meaning "deer," and "býr," meaning "farm" or "settlement." The name was introduced into England through the Viking invasions during the 9th century, particularly in regions such as Derbyshire, where the name is still associated with the town of Derby. Over time, the name evolved and was adopted as a given name, particularly in the 19th century, when surnames began to be used as first names more frequently.

Historically, the name Darby has been associated with various notable figures and events. One significant milestone is its appearance in literature and records during the Middle Ages, where it was sometimes used as a surname before transitioning into a first name.

The name is also linked to the Darby family, who were prominent in English history, particularly in the 16th and 17th centuries. The name gained further recognition through the Quaker leader Robert Darby in the 17th century, who played a role in the religious movements of the time.

Culturally, the name Darby carries connotations of strength and resilience, reflective of its historical roots in settlement and community. It has been used in various literary contexts, often symbolizing a connection to nature and the pastoral life associated with its etymological origins.

The name may also have diminutive forms, such as Dar, which have emerged in informal contexts. Overall, Darby reflects a rich historical tapestry, intertwining linguistic heritage with cultural significance.

Famous people named Darby

In this section, you will find notable people named Darby. We include individuals across a wide range of fields, including actors known for their work in film, television, and stage productions. You'll also find musicians, directors, and other public figures named Darby who have made a significant impact on popular culture.

We also feature individuals named Darby who have made meaningful contributions to science, politics, athletics, literature, and other areas of public interest.

Please note that not every baby name in our database currently has a famous namesake listed. If you would like to suggest a name we may have missed or submit a correction, feel free to contact us. We review and finalize additions and corrections within 24 hours.

Darby Stanchfield is an actress best known for Scandal, Once Upon a Time, and The Catch.

Darby Hinton is an actor best known for Daniel Boone, The Love Boat, and The Brady Bunch.

Darby Conley is a cartoonist best known for the comic strip Get Fuzzy.

Fictional characters named Darby

The following list of fictional characters named Darby is a work in progress. If you would like to suggest an additional character, please send us the character's name along with a brief, one-sentence description of what they are best known for.

You may also submit corrections, which we will review and update as quickly as possible.

Darby is a fictional character from the animated series Darby O'Gill and the Little People. He is a clever and resourceful man who encounters leprechauns and magical adventures in the Irish countryside.

Sibling suggestions

If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Darby, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.

HarperMollySadieLilaRubyClara

Similar names

Based on our extensive baby names database, several names share stylistic or phonetic similarities with Darby. These names can serve as alternatives to the sibling suggestions listed above and may help you find the perfect complementary name for your growing family.

DarcieDarlaDaphneDariaDemiDeliaDaisy

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Darby was first seen in the United States in 1913.

Darby has ranked as high as #880 nationally, which occurred in 1995, and has been most popular in California, Texas, Florida, Ohio, and Georgia.

In the past 5 years the name Darby has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

The name Darby is part of our comprehensive baby names database, which includes Social Security Administration (SSA) data dating back to 1880—the first official year of state and national tracking. The chart below shows when Darby was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

We track the national popularity of each baby name annually. The table below displays each year along with the number of births reported by the Social Security Administration. This data combines all state-level reporting from the SSA's baby names database to provide a comprehensive view of overall birth counts for Darby.

Year Total Births Boy Girl
2025 81 13 68
2024 61 10 51
2023 94 20 74
2022 81 13 68
2021 117 22 95
2020 100 18 82
2019 109 20 89
2018 120 31 89
2017 145 22 123
2016 137 17 120
2015 137 27 110
2014 135 29 106
2013 151 32 119
2012 158 40 118
2011 173 37 136
2010 198 46 152
2009 159 23 136
2008 198 37 161
2007 231 42 189
2006 193 37 156
2005 222 25 197
2004 213 25 188
2003 261 46 215
2002 270 35 235
2001 253 36 217
2000 294 40 254
1999 334 36 298
1998 369 39 330
1997 437 36 401
1996 464 33 431
1995 539 48 491
1994 356 35 321
1993 158 32 126
1992 116 42 74
1991 91 32 59
1990 101 33 68
1989 107 35 72
1988 100 31 69
1987 79 28 51
1986 76 26 50
1985 111 27 84
1984 90 26 64
1983 97 30 67
1982 90 25 65
1981 128 33 95
1980 69 20 49
1979 91 36 55
1978 112 57 55
1977 94 44 50
1976 110 56 54
1975 93 50 43
1974 144 73 71
1973 123 77 46
1972 159 88 71
1971 184 96 88
1970 213 130 83
1969 155 102 53
1968 110 61 49
1967 83 31 52
1966 70 34 36
1965 48 16 32
1964 64 26 38
1963 66 30 36
1962 80 36 44
1961 88 35 53
1960 88 37 51
1959 81 47 34
1958 70 36 34
1957 51 24 27
1956 48 15 33
1955 71 20 51
1954 47 21 26
1953 35 18 17
1952 33 13 20
1951 34 18 16
1950 28 10 18
1949 38 11 27
1948 40 10 30
1947 37 15 22
1946 28 12 16
1945 16 6 10
1944 19 0 19
1943 26 8 18
1942 27 9 18
1941 14 7 7
1940 19 10 9
1939 14 6 8
1938 9 9 0
1937 7 7 0
1936 12 7 5
1935 5 5 0
1934 10 10 0
1932 5 5 0
1931 7 7 0
1928 10 10 0
1926 8 8 0
1925 11 11 0
1923 6 6 0
1922 5 5 0
1920 7 7 0
1919 6 6 0
1916 5 5 0
1915 5 5 0
1913 6 6 0

Top States for Darby (2024)

We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. The table below shows the five states with the highest number of births for this name in the selected year. Use the toggle to expand the list to every state with reported births.

State Births Share
AL 5
50%
SC 5
50%