Darek Boy
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: DAH-rek //ˈdɑːrɛk//
Origin: Slavic; Polish
Meaning: Slavic: 'gift'; Polish: 'dear'
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Darek is of Slavic origin, derived from the name Darius, which has its roots in the ancient Persian name Dārayavahush, meaning 'possessor of goodness' or 'maintainer of good.' The name Darius was borne by several kings of Persia, most notably Darius the Great, who ruled from 522 to 486 BCE and is known for his administrative reforms and the expansion of the Persian Empire. The name Darius made its way into various languages through historical conquests and cultural exchanges, eventually reaching Slavic languages where it evolved into forms such as Darek.
In the Slavic context, Darek is often considered a diminutive or affectionate form of the name Darius or its variants, which became popular in the medieval period. The name Darius appears in the Bible, particularly in the Book of Daniel, where Darius the Mede is mentioned as a ruler who conquered Babylon.
This biblical association contributed to the name's significance in Christian and Jewish traditions, further embedding it in the cultural fabric of Slavic societies. Culturally, names derived from Darius, including Darek, carry connotations of strength and leadership, reflecting the historical figures who bore the name.
The enduring appeal of Darek can be attributed to its strong phonetic qualities and the positive attributes associated with its etymological roots. As a name, Darek encapsulates a rich historical narrative that spans several cultures and epochs, symbolizing not just personal identity but also a connection to a broader historical legacy.
Famous people named Darek
Darek Jaskot is a professional wrestler best known for his appearances in various independent wrestling promotions.
Darek Kaczmarek is a Polish artist best known for his contemporary paintings and installations.
Darek Dziekan is a musician best known for his work with the band Darek and the Dancers.
Sibling suggestions
Similar names
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Darek was first seen in the United States in 1957.
Darek has ranked as high as #1020 nationally, which occurred in 1973, and has been most popular in California, Texas, Illinois, New York, and Michigan.
In the past 5 years the name Darek has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Darek (2024)
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| TX | 7 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1957 | 6 |
| 1960 | 8 |
| 1962 | 6 |
| 1963 | 10 |
| 1964 | 7 |
| 1965 | 12 |
| 1966 | 10 |
| 1967 | 21 |
| 1968 | 15 |
| 1969 | 18 |
| 1970 | 28 |
| 1971 | 37 |
| 1972 | 18 |
| 1973 | 53 |
| 1974 | 31 |
| 1975 | 20 |
| 1976 | 17 |
| 1977 | 35 |
| 1978 | 32 |
| 1979 | 21 |
| 1980 | 39 |
| 1981 | 28 |
| 1982 | 29 |
| 1983 | 32 |
| 1984 | 24 |
| 1985 | 37 |
| 1986 | 31 |
| 1987 | 35 |
| 1988 | 41 |
| 1989 | 29 |
| 1990 | 35 |
| 1991 | 43 |
| 1992 | 27 |
| 1993 | 32 |
| 1994 | 30 |
| 1995 | 30 |
| 1996 | 34 |
| 1997 | 25 |
| 1998 | 35 |
| 1999 | 20 |
| 2000 | 28 |
| 2001 | 18 |
| 2002 | 18 |
| 2003 | 19 |
| 2004 | 13 |
| 2005 | 26 |
| 2006 | 20 |
| 2007 | 21 |
| 2008 | 16 |
| 2009 | 17 |
| 2010 | 20 |
| 2011 | 12 |
| 2012 | 22 |
| 2013 | 13 |
| 2014 | 10 |
| 2015 | 27 |
| 2016 | 11 |
| 2017 | 17 |
| 2018 | 14 |
| 2019 | 8 |
| 2020 | 11 |
| 2021 | 18 |
| 2022 | 36 |
| 2023 | 48 |
| 2024 | 30 |