Darwin

A familiar Old English name with steady appeal.

Boy's name| Also girlsOld EnglishRising fast Also a pet name
#839 130in 2024

Meaning & Origin

A surname, especially referring to Charles Darwin (1809–1882), British naturalist and founder of the theory of evolution by natural selection.

Darwin is a boy's and girl's baby name of Old English origin, from the Old English Deorwine, meaning "dear friend" or "beloved friend," composed of deor (dear) and wine (friend). The name's enduring fame rests almost entirely on Charles Darwin, whose 1859 On the Origin of Species transformed our understanding of life on Earth.

Darwin carries an irresistible association with intellectual curiosity, scientific discovery, and the courage to follow evidence wherever it leads. For scientifically minded parents, it is a name loaded with meaning — both its original warm meaning and its modern iconic identity.

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Popularity Over Time

Darwin has 130+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1881.

01042093134171900192019401960198020002024

Popularity by Decade

Decade-by-decade popularity data for Darwin
DecadeBirthsTrend
2020s1,191
2010s2,592
2000s2,251
1990s1,292
1980s1,149
1970s1,363
1960s3,436
1950s3,489
1940s3,033
1930s3,023
1920s2,208
1910s964
1900s66
1890s20
1880s23

Year-by-Year Data

View complete yearly data(130 years, 18812024)
Year-by-year popularity data for the name Darwin
YearBirthsRank
2024293#839
2023228#969
2022227#989
2021196#1083
2020247#906
2019223#958
2018237#907
2017266#833
2016263#857
2015256#868
2014236#908
2013259#829
2012248#856
2011291#773
2010313#732
2009314#740
2008279#786
2007261#822
2006266#781
2005212#866

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

Darwin as a Girl's Name

While overwhelmingly a boy's name, Darwin has also been given to 89 girls in the U.S. since 1933.

Unranked
Current rank
89
Total births
2014
Peak year
Compare Darwin as boy vs girl

Frequently Asked

Can Darwin be used for both boys and girls?
Yes, Darwin is used for both boys and girls. As a boy's name, it currently ranks #839. As a girl's name, it is not currently in the top rankings.

Darwin has two lives

Darwin, the baby name
#839boys
26,100 babies
Currently viewing
Darwin, the pet name
#963pet name
122 pets
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Last updated May 2026 · Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (18812024) · Methodology