Is Darby a boy's or girl's name?

Darby is primarily a girl's name. It is also used as a boy's name, with 2,927 recorded births.

When was Darby most popular?

Darby reached its peak popularity in 1995 with 491 births that year. It is currently ranked #3174 in the U.S.

How popular is the name Darby?

Darby is currently ranked #3174 in the U.S. (2024). It has been given to 8,269 babies since 1936.

Darby

A Old Norse name gently fading from the charts.

Girl's name| Also boysOld NorseDeclining Also a pet name

#3174▼ 751in 2024

Meaning & Origin

A habitational surname from Old Norse.

Darby is a girl's and boy's baby name of Old Norse origin, from the place name Derby — derived from the Old Norse djúr (deer) and by (village), meaning 'deer village.' A surname that transitioned to a given name, Darby has a spirited, tomboyish charm that suits independent personalities.

With over 8,000 U.S. births, Darby has found an appreciative audience among parents who love distinctive names with clear historical roots.

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Popularity Over Time

Darby was #1192 twenty years ago and has since drifted to #3174, but its charm endures.

Popularity by Decade

Decade-by-decade popularity data for Darby
Decade	Births	Avg Rank	Trend
2020s	369	#2481	▼
2010s	1,162	#1802	▼
2000s	1,948	#1206	▼
1990s	2,599	#1116	▲
1980s	666	#1789	▲
1970s	616	#1668	▲
1960s	444	#1758	▲
1950s	276	#2122	▲
1940s	176	#2380	▲
1930s	13	#3763	—

Year-by-Year Data

View complete yearly data(87 years, 1936–2024)

Year-by-year popularity data for the name Darby
Year	Births	Rank	Change
2024	50	#3174	-24 (-32.4%)
2023	74	#2423	+6 (8.8%)
2022	68	#2583	-27 (-28.4%)
2021	95	#2028	+13 (15.9%)
2020	82	#2198	-7 (-7.9%)
2019	89	#2112	0
2018	89	#2135	-34 (-27.6%)
2017	123	#1723	+3 (2.5%)
2016	120	#1736	+10 (9.1%)
2015	110	#1863	+4 (3.8%)
2014	106	#1895	-13 (-10.9%)
2013	119	#1739	+1 (0.8%)
2012	118	#1746	-18 (-13.2%)
2011	136	#1592	-16 (-10.5%)
2010	152	#1483	+16 (11.8%)
2009	136	#1642	-25 (-15.5%)
2008	161	#1463	-28 (-14.8%)
2007	189	#1294	+33 (21.2%)
2006	156	#1441	-41 (-20.8%)
2005	197	#1169	+9 (4.8%)

Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.

Darby as a Boy's Name

Though more common for girls, Darby has a notable history as a boy's name too, with 2,927 births since 1913.

#7855

Current rank

2,927

Total births

1970

Peak year

Compare Darby as girl vs boy

Frequently Asked

Can Darby be used for both boys and girls?

Yes, Darby is used for both boys and girls. As a girl's name, it currently ranks #3174. As a boy's name, it ranks #7855.

Darby has two lives

Darby, the baby name

#3174girls

8,269 babies

Currently viewing

Last updated May 2026 · Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (1936–2024) · Methodology