Dara
Dara is a unisex name of Celtic origin meaning “oak tree.”
Torn between Dara and another name? Ask family and friends to vote
how do you pronounce Dara?
DAH-rah
where does the name Dara come from?
Dara has more than one unrelated origin. One is Slavic, from dar, gift, and the name is used for both men and women in several languages.
As an Irish name, Dara comes from daire, oak, connecting it to the sacred tree of Celtic tradition, and Mac Dara is a revered Connemara saint. Dara is also a Slavic name from dar, gift. It works beautifully for any gender.
how popular is this name?
Dara has appeared in the US top 1,000 in 38 years since 1956. It peaked at #469 in 1981, and ranked #953 in 1993.
See the milestone years
| Year | Rank |
|---|---|
| 1993 | #953 |
| 1992 | #892 |
| 1991 | #850 |
| 1990 | #883 |
| 1989 | #794 |
| 1988 | #784 |
| 1987 | #750 |
| 1986 | #758 |
| 1985 | #767 |
| 1984 | #635 |
| 1981 | #469 |
| 1980 | #486 |
| 1970 | #616 |
| 1960 | #926 |
| 1956 | #869 |
Source: SSA National Baby Names Dataset (through 2025). Years absent from the table are years Dara fell outside the top 1,000.
who are famous people named Dara?
- Dara Ó Briain (Irish comedian and TV presenter)
- Dara Torres (American Olympic swimmer)
what names are similar to Dara?
what names go well with Dara?
Sibling names that share Dara's rhythm and register without echoing it too closely.
quick answers about Dara
What does the name Dara mean?
Dara means “oak tree”.
What is the origin of the name Dara?
Dara comes from the Celtic naming tradition.
How popular is the name Dara?
Dara ranked #953 in the US in 1993, according to Social Security data. Its best year was 1981, at #469, and it has spent 38 years in the top 1,000 since 1956.
Is Dara a boy or girl name?
Dara is a unisex name, used for both boys and girls.
How do you pronounce Dara?
Dara is pronounced DAH-rah, with 2 syllables.
Last updated · Curated by HushName editorial
love Dara? get 10 more names curated for your family.
Popularity rankings and meanings are just the starting point. Our AI consultant finds names that match your heritage, style, and what matters most to you.
Completely free. No credit card required.
Start your free session