Darling
Primarily a girl's name of Old English origin with 998 recorded births. Also given to 15 boys.
Meaning & Origin
An English and Scottish surname transferred from the nickname, originally a nickname from darling.
Darling is a girl's and boy's baby name of Old English origin, from the Anglo-Saxon deorling meaning 'beloved one' — an endearment turned surname, now returning as a given name with full, unapologetic sweetness.
J.M. Barrie immortalized the Darling family in Peter Pan in 1904, giving the name both whimsy and literary warmth. Using Darling as a given name is audacious, tender, and unmistakably loving.
EtymologyShow more
Darling first shows up in U.S. Social Security records in 1920. Its appearance in the 1920s coincides with waves of immigration, cultural exchange, and the early decades of American popular culture — all of which introduced and popularized new names.
Its Old English classification suggests a path from old english linguistic traditions into American usage, though the specific route — whether through immigration, literature, or cultural exchange — would require deeper historical research.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Darling climbed 4149 spots in the last 20 years — from #7488 to #3339.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Avg Rank | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 165 | #4418 | ▼ |
| 2010s | 228 | #5826 | ▲ |
| 2000s | 152 | #7686 | ▲ |
| 1990s | 121 | #7515 | ▲ |
| 1980s | 105 | #6811 | ▲ |
| 1970s | 32 | #7665 | ▼ |
| 1960s | 69 | #5032 | ▲ |
| 1950s | 56 | #5105 | ▲ |
| 1940s | 35 | #3749 | ▲ |
| 1930s | 15 | #4393 | ▼ |
| 1920s | 20 | #4117 | — |
The Story of Darling
A Gen Alpha name
Peaking in 2024, Darling is a fresh, modern favorite. Girls named Darling are most likely born between 2014 and 2024.
How rare is Darling?
Only about 1 in every 76,596 babies born in 2024 was named Darling — a truly uncommon choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1920, gained momentum through the mid-century, peaked in the 2010s with 228 births that decade, and remains solidly popular today.
Darling by the numbers
- Would fill 21 school buses
- Meeting one Darling per day would take 2.7 years
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(76 years, 1920–2024)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 47 | #3339 |
| 2023 | 33 | #4296 |
| 2022 | 22 | #5680 |
| 2021 | 28 | #4746 |
| 2020 | 35 | #4028 |
| 2019 | 27 | #4940 |
| 2018 | 20 | #6078 |
| 2017 | 25 | #5216 |
| 2016 | 26 | #5177 |
| 2015 | 21 | #6081 |
| 2014 | 29 | #4802 |
| 2013 | 24 | #5534 |
| 2012 | 18 | #6936 |
| 2011 | 21 | #6200 |
| 2010 | 17 | #7293 |
| 2009 | 17 | #7428 |
| 2008 | 16 | #7840 |
| 2007 | 21 | #6385 |
| 2006 | 19 | #6652 |
| 2005 | 12 | #9036 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Darling as a Boy's Name
While overwhelmingly a girl's name, Darling has also been given to 15 boys in the U.S. since 1932.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Darling a boy's or girl's name?
When was Darling most popular?
How popular is the name Darling?
Can Darling be used for both boys and girls?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1920–2024