Darryl

Origin

Darryl is an English-origin surname and given name, derived from the Norman name 'D'Aureville' or 'D'Aurelle,' which was used as a surname in medieval France. It was introduced to England after the Norman Conquest and became popular as a first name in English-speaking countries, including Australia, in the 20th century. The name is a variant spelling of 'Darrell,' which itself has roots in Old French and Old German, meaning 'beloved' or 'dear.' In Australia, Darryl gained popularity in the post-World War II era, aligning with trends in English-speaking nations.

Meaning

Literal translation: 'beloved' or 'dear.' In Australian English contexts, it connotes friendliness, warmth, and familiarity, often associated with down-to-earth personalities.

Pronunciation

/ˈdær.ɪl/ (Australian English pronunciation, with emphasis on the first syllable); stress on the first syllable, with a short 'a' as in 'cat'. [dar-ill]

Variants & Nicknames

Name Days

• Not traditionally observed in Catholic, Orthodox, or Lutheran calendars. However, some registries celebrate Darryl on 1 July in honour of Saint Darrell, a lesser-known saint of medieval France.
• Alternative: 30 July (Surnamed Darryl's Day) in some cultural calendars.
• In Māori and Aboriginal contexts, no specific name day; the name is primarily used within immigrant or broader Australian communities without traditional observance.

Name Pairings

Names that pair well with darryl:

• James and Darryl
• Lucy and Darryl
• Emma and Darryl
• Michael and Darryl

Fun Facts

• The name Darryl was popularised in Australia by celebrities and sports personalities in the 1950s and 1960s.
• Darryl is a classic example of 20th-century Anglo-Australian naming trends, often associated with suburban and working-class communities.
• The name has appeared in Australian pop culture, notably in films and TV shows of the 1970s and 1980s.

Personality Traits

Common traits associated with the name darryl:

• friendly
• approachable
• down-to-earth
• loyal
• easy-going

Aesthetic Qualities

The name has a straightforward, unpretentious aesthetic appeal, with a balanced rhythm and familiar phonetics that suit casual and formal contexts alike.

Geographical Distribution

More common in suburban and regional areas of Australia, especially in New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland. Usage is widespread across the country but historically concentrated in working-class communities.

Numerological Significance

Name number 6, associated with harmony, nurturing, and responsibility, reflecting a caring and dependable personality archetype in numerology studies.

Astrological Connections

No specific zodiac association; however, those born under Taurus or Cancer signs might be considered compatible with the nurturing qualities attributed to the name.

Historical Context

Famous Australians with the name include Darryl Kerrigan, the fictional character from the Australian film *The Castle*, embodying the humorous and laid-back Australian stereotype. Several Australian athletes and musicians bear this name, contributing to its cultural resonance.

Linguistic Adaptability

The name adapts well across various languages, often retained in its original English form. Variants appear in French ('Darre'), German ('Darl'), and Spanish ('Darío' as a related name).

Famous People Named darryl

• Darryl Braithwaite (Musician)
• Darryl Talbot (Athlete)
• Darryl Hannah (International actor with Australian roots)

Popularity in Australia