Deryl
Primarily a boy's name of Old English origin with 1,826 recorded births. Also given to 190 girls.
Meaning & Origin
Parents who choose Deryl tend to be looking for something that feels real but not common — a name with 1,826 recorded births and a peak of 56 in 1957, enough history to feel legitimate without being ordinary.
The sharp, distinct ending gives Deryl a direct, strong feel that works well in both playground and boardroom.
Deryl is not in the current top 1,000 boy names nationally, making it an uncommon choice — though your state or community may differ.
Deryl is a boy's and girl's baby name of Old English origin, a variant spelling of Darryl or Daryl, possibly from a Norman French place name or from the Old English meaning 'open' or 'beloved.' The alternate spelling gives the familiar name a more distinctive written form.
EtymologyShow more
In the American context, Deryl is a boy's name with over a century of recorded use (1915–2003). Its Old English roots connect it to a broader naming tradition, but in practice, American usage often reshapes names — adding nicknames, shifting pronunciation, and building new associations that diverge from the original cultural context.
Though no longer in the top 1,000, Deryl’s 1,826 recorded births mean it has left a mark. Every name carries the accumulated identity of the people who have worn it — and Deryl has decades of that history.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Deryl has 82+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1915.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2000s | 14 | ▼ |
| 1990s | 64 | ▼ |
| 1980s | 106 | ▼ |
| 1970s | 203 | ▼ |
| 1960s | 343 | ▼ |
| 1950s | 478 | ▲ |
| 1940s | 281 | ▲ |
| 1930s | 197 | ▲ |
| 1920s | 128 | ▲ |
| 1910s | 12 | — |
The Story of Deryl
A Baby Boomer name
Peaking in 1957, Deryl is a timeless Baby Boomer name. Boys named Deryl are most likely born between 1947 and 1967.
How rare is Deryl?
With 1,826 total births on record, Deryl remains a rare and distinctive pick.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1915, grew steadily over the decades, peaked in the 1950s with 478 births that decade, and has since become a rare, vintage choice.
Deryl by the numbers
- Would fill 38 school buses
- Meeting one Deryl per day would take 5 years
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(82 years, 1915–2003)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 7 | #8896 |
| 2000 | 7 | #8425 |
| 1999 | 7 | #8080 |
| 1997 | 10 | #5753 |
| 1995 | 7 | #7189 |
| 1994 | 7 | #7160 |
| 1993 | 9 | #5878 |
| 1992 | 10 | #5332 |
| 1991 | 9 | #5618 |
| 1990 | 5 | #8453 |
| 1989 | 7 | #6392 |
| 1988 | 20 | #2780 |
| 1987 | 9 | #4652 |
| 1986 | 11 | #3941 |
| 1985 | 6 | #5984 |
| 1984 | 11 | #3766 |
| 1983 | 9 | #4223 |
| 1982 | 8 | #4699 |
| 1981 | 10 | #3918 |
| 1980 | 15 | #2994 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Deryl as a Girl's Name
While overwhelmingly a boy's name, Deryl has also been given to 190 girls in the U.S. since 1927.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Deryl a boy's or girl's name?
When was Deryl most popular?
How popular is the name Deryl?
Can Deryl be used for both boys and girls?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1915–2003