Dara
Dara is a girl name of Hebrew origin meaning “Pearl of wisdom”, pronounced DAR-ah. It ranked #1129 in the United States in 2025, given to 207 babies, and peaked at #469 in 1981. Common nicknames: Dar, Dodo.
How popular is Dara in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Dara mean, and where does it come from?
Dara is a name that several languages arrived at independently. In Hebrew it belongs to a man noted for wisdom in the Book of Chronicles; in Irish, Dáire means "oak" and is a boy's name; in Persian, Dara is a form of Darius, "possessing goodness"; in Khmer it means "star." American usage has been mostly for girls since the 1950s, peaking in the early 1980s, and it is rising again now among parents who want something short that does not sound like anything else on the class list.
How is Dara used around the world?
Dara is used in 1 languages worldwide.
TypeFemale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Dara?
Famous People Named Dara
- Dara Torres — American swimmer and five-time Olympian
- Dara Khosrowshahi — Iranian-American business executive, chief executive of Uber
- Dara Ó Briain — Irish comedian and television presenter
Similar Names to Dara
If you like Dara, you might also consider these names with a similar feel.
Sibling Name Ideas for Dara
Looking for names that pair well with Dara? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Dara mean?
Dara is a girl name of Hebrew origin meaning "Pearl of wisdom." Dara is a name that several languages arrived at independently. In Hebrew it belongs to a man noted for wisdom in the Book of Chronicles; in Irish, Dáire means "oak" and is a boy's name; in Persian, Dara is a form of Darius, "possessing goodness"; in Khmer it means "star.
How do you pronounce Dara?
Dara is pronounced DAR-ah. Common variations include Darah, Daire, Darra.
Is Dara a girl name?
Yes, Dara is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Dar, Dodo.