What customs and traditions are associated with English baby names?

English naming customs typically involve three elements - a given name, a middle name (s), and a family name. The British follow a patrilineal naming system where the child inherits their fathers family name. However, following the patrilineal naming system is not mandatory. Instead, parents have the freedom to choose their childs last name. Some parents could also give their child the mothers last name. In contrast, others may provide both mother and father surnames in a hyphenated form, reflecting the flexibility in English naming traditions and customs.

How do English baby names reflect a person's heritage?

English naming conventions are diverse, encompassing people from different religions, ethnicities, and cultural backgrounds. Many parents may opt for names that mirror their ethnic and cultural connections. For example, parents of Irish heritage may choose titles like Liam. On the other hand, those of Greek origin might opt for names like Sophia or Alexander. Parents may also pick names that reflect their regional heritage. For example, Devon and Kent are names inspired by specific regions or places within England. Furthermore, many families pass down names from one generation to another or choose monikers inspired by literary and historical figures.

Home • Baby Names

51 English Baby Names with Meanings Dark, Starting With D

Written by Shikha Thakur, MBA Specialty: Relationships and Baby NamesExperience: 7 years

Shikha is a writer-turned-editor at MomJunction, with over seven years of experience in the field of content. Having done a certification in Relationship Coaching, her core interest lies in writing articles that guide couples through their courtship to marriage and parenthood.

Read full bio of Shikha Thakur

Edited by Siddharth Kesiraju, MA, Certification in Relationship Coaching Specialty: Love, Marriage and RelationshipsExperience: 7 years

Siddharth holds a certification in Relationship Coaching and a masters degree in communication and journalism from the University of Hyderabad. He has around seven years of experience in various fields of writing and editing.

Read full bio of Siddharth Kesiraju

Fact-checked by Praggya Joshi, MA, BEd Specialty: Child education & activitiesExperience: 2 years

Praggya Joshi holds a bachelor's degree in Education and a master's in Ancient Indian History from University of Delhi. She has a robust knowledge of literature, society, and ethics. Praggya has been a content writer since 2021, researching and writing on education, health and wellness, and travel.

Read full bio of Praggya Joshi

Last Updated on Oct 3, 2023

Illustration: MomJunction Design Team

Name	Gender	Meaning
Donovan	Boy	Brown-haired chieftain; Dark
Douglas	Boy	Dark river; Dark water
Devyn	Unisex	Poet; Young deer; Fawn; Little dark one
Dwayne	Boy	Dark; Black; Little dark one
Darcy	Girl	Dark-haired; One from the town of Arcy
Dev	Unisex	God; Bee; Calf; Dark little one
Don	Boy	Dark Brown; Chief; Noble; Ruler of the world
Deven	Unisex	Descendant of Damhán; Calf; Fawn; Little dark one; Lord of gods
Duane	Boy	Dark; Swarthy; Little dark one
Dewayne	Boy	Dark; Swarthy; Little dark one

Devan	Boy	Descendant of Damhán; Calf; Fawn; Divine; Godlike; Heavenly; Little dark one
Donavan	Boy	Dark; Brown
Deagan	Boy	One with dark black hair; Grain of corn
Donavon	Boy	Descendent of Donndubhan; Dark; Brown
Darci	Girl	From the fortress; A dark one
Donavin	Boy	Brown and dark
Devine	Unisex	Divine; Fortune-teller; Descendant of Damhain; Descendant of Dubhain; Fawn; Calf; The dark one; Heavenly; God-like
Devone	Unisex	Calf; Dark; Divine
Dwain	Boy	Little dark one
Darcie	Girl	Dark-haired; From the fortress; Descendant of the dark

Darcey	Girl	Someone from Arcy; Dark
Dugan	Boy	One who has dark skin
Dwane	Boy	Little dark one
Davanee	Girl	Merciful; Gentle; Dark-haired
Dock	Boy	Leader; Hollow; Dark; Cloth
Devonne	Unisex	Divine; Dark
Douglass	Boy	A dark river or stream
Duwayne	Boy	Little dark one
Doug	Boy	Dark river; Dark water
Delaina	Girl	From the alder grove; Dark; Challenge

Dorsey	Girl	Dark-haired; From Orsay
Dwaine	Boy	Little dark one
Dow	Boy	A dark-haired individual; Black
Divan	Unisex	Royal; Council; Divine; Calf; Ox; Fawn; Deer; Descendant ff Damhán; Fortune teller; Little dark one; Dark; Black
Dee	Girl	Dark; Black; Deity; Divine
Duante	Boy	Little dark one
Danet	Girl	Top of the Down; Dark-haired; Dark-complexioned
Darcia	Girl	The dark one
Devanie	Girl	Dark-haired
Daegel	Boy	Dark stream

Delany	Boy	From the alder grove; Dark; Black; Challenge; Defiance
Doogie	Boy	Dark water; River; Dark grey; Dark green
Dorcey	Girl	One who is dark in color
Dougie	Boy	Dark river; Green; Grey; Water; Black imposter
Doyel	Girl	Dark stranger; Descendant of Dubhghall
Duana	Unisex	Little dark one; Descendant of Dubhán
Duff	Boy	Dark
Dunn	Boy	Dark complexion; Brown haired; Eider-down
Dunstan	Boy	Dark stone
Dwade	Boy	Dark traveler

Dwyer	Boy	Descendant of Duibhuidhir; Dark; Black; Sallow; Tawny

Infographic: Attractive English Baby Names with Meanings Dark, Starting With D

English Baby Names with Meanings Dark, Starting With D are significant and exquisite. They carry an inherent sense of charm that's almost impossible to ignore. Our infographic below shares several options that fit diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Explore the list and pick a name that resonates with you. Remember, your baby's name is integral to their identity, so choose a name that best complements their personality.

English Baby Names with Meanings Dark, Starting With D(infographic)

Look Up For Many More Names

Do you have a name in mind and want to know more about it? Or want to find names belonging to a particular origin, religion, or having a specific meaning? Use our search tool below to explore more baby names with different combinations.