Meaning, origin, history
The name Daryl is of English origin and it means "from the ocean meadow". It is derived from the Old English words "dēor" which means deer, and "lēah" which means meadow or clearing. The name has been used since the Middle Ages but its popularity has varied over time.
In medieval England, the name Daryl was often given to children born in areas with a large deer population or near bodies of water. It was also used as a nickname for someone who had the characteristics of a deer such as gracefulness and swiftness.
The name Daryl gained popularity in the United States during the 20th century. It was among the top 1000 most popular boy names in the US between the 1930s and the 1970s, with its peak popularity occurring in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
Today, Daryl is still used as a given name but it has become less common. It is often spelled variations such as Daryll or Darryl. The name remains popular among those who appreciate its unique sound and meaning.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Daryll since 1880
Total births
1,697
Total since 1880
Peak year
1960
53 births
in 2023
7
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
+26%
↗
vs previous 5 years