Darius
Darius Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity
/də.ˈɹaɪ.əs/
Meaning of Darius: Darius derives from Old Persian Dārayavauš, compounding dāra- (to hold) and vahu- (good) to mean “possessor of goodness.” The Greek Dareīos and Latin Darius preserve it in classical texts. etymology records links vahu- to Avestan vohu, the Zoroastrian term for goodness.
Three Persian kings bore this name: Darius I (r. 522–486 BCE) expanded the Achaemenid Empire and reorganized it into satrapies; Darius II (r. 423–404 BCE) held it through internal strife; Darius III (r.
336–330 BCE) faced Alexander the Great and lost. All three kept the name prominent in Persian and Greek records.
What Does Darius Mean? Origin & Etymology
The name entered European use through Latin texts and Renaissance scholarship. In English it remained a learned name through the 18th century, then moved into general use. African-American communities adopted it at high rates in the 1970s and 1980s, giving it a distinct cultural dimension in the US.
According to SSA birth records, Darius peaked in the late 1990s inside the top 200 US boy names. In 2024 it stood at #746 with 343 births, reflecting gradual decline from peak while holding steady across multiple demographics.
Notable bearers span music and sport: Darius Rucker (musician) and Darius Miles (NBA player). The historical weight of Darius I gives the name gravitas without the overtly religious connotation found in similarly classic names like Elijah or Solomon.
The three-syllable structure deh-RY-us places stress on the second syllable. Common pairings include Darius James, Darius Emmanuel, and Darius Cole. Short forms are rare; the full name is standard, lending it a formal and composed character.
How Popular Is Darius?
Numerology & Symbolism of Darius
Based on Pythagorean numerology — a traditional system linking name letters to numbers. Presented for cultural interest.
Darius – Similar Names & Alternatives
Not seeing what you want? Browse all names by origin or popularity
Frequently Asked Questions about Darius
What does the name Darius mean?
Darius means “he who holds firm the good,” from the Old Persian compound daryavahush, combining darya (“possessor”) and vahu (“good”).
What is the origin of the name Darius?
Darius originates from ancient Persia. It was the name of three Achaemenid kings, most notably Darius I (the Great), who ruled from 522 to 486 BCE.
Is Darius a popular name in the United States?
Darius reached its highest US popularity in the 1990s according to SSA data. It has maintained consistent use, particularly within African American and Iranian diaspora communities.
How do you spell Darius in other languages?
In Italian and Spanish the name is spelled Dario. In Polish it appears as Dariusz. The Greek and Latin form Dareios appears in classical historical texts.