Baby Names That Start With D: 37 Girl & Boy Names With Meanings
D names are steady and confident: Daniel, David, Dominic, Daisy, Dorothy. This list gathers 37 names that start with D, with meaning, origin and a short note on each, from timeless classics to distinctive choices.
Reviewed
Where an origin is disputed, as with Declan, Dara and Dustin, we say so. Names are grouped by gender and ordered roughly from classic to distinctive.
Our top picks
Girl names (15)
- DahliaSwedishthe dahlia flower (named after botanist Anders Dahl)A bold, bright flower name.
- DaisyEnglishday's eye (the daisy flower)Cheerful and vintage.
- DanielaHebrewGod is my judgeA feminine form of Daniel, popular across Europe and Latin America.
- DanielleHebrew / FrenchGod is my judgeA familiar feminine take on Daniel.
- DaphneGreeklaurel treeA nymph in Greek myth; elegant and rare.
- DelaneyIrishuncertain; an Irish surnameFriendly and surname-based.
- DelilahHebrewuncertain; sometimes read as 'delicate' or 'languishing'A biblical name with a musical sound.
- DelphineFrench / Greekof Delphi; also linked to 'dolphin'Elegant and rare.
- DemiFrench / GreekhalfShort and modern.
- DeborahHebrewbeeA biblical judge and prophet; nickname Debbie.
- DianaLatindivineA Roman goddess and a regal classic.
- DinahHebrewjudged, vindicatedA vintage biblical name.
- DorotheaGreekgift of GodA romantic long form of Dorothy.
- DorothyGreekgift of GodTimeless and loved, thanks to 'The Wizard of Oz'.
- DulcieLatinsweetA rare, sweet vintage name.
Boy names (19)
- DallasScottishmeadow dwelling (a place name)A Texas city and an easygoing name.
- DamianGreekto tame, to subdueA saint's name with a smooth sound.
- DanielHebrewGod is my judgeA timeless biblical classic with the nickname Danny.
- DanteLatinenduring (a short form of Durante)Literary and bold, from the poet Dante Alighieri.
- DariusPersianpossessing good, wealthyAn ancient king's name.
- DavidHebrewbelovedA classic that is always respected.
- DeanEnglishvalley, or a church leaderA short, classic name.
- DeclanIrishuncertain; an Irish saint's name sometimes read as 'full of goodness'Irish, friendly and strong.
- DennisGreekof DionysusA vintage name with a friendly feel.
- DerekGermanicruler of the peopleA mid-century classic.
- DesmondIrishfrom south MunsterDignified and distinctive, as in Desmond Tutu.
- DexterLatinright-handed, skilledQuirky and smart; nickname Dex.
- DiegoSpanishuncertain; sometimes linked to Greek didache, 'teaching'Warm and international.
- DominicLatinof the LordA classic saint's name with a modern sound.
- DonaldGaelicworld rulerA traditional Scottish name.
- DorianGreekfrom Doris, a region of GreeceLiterary, from 'The Picture of Dorian Gray'.
- DouglasScottish Gaelicdark waterA Scottish clan name.
- DrakeEnglishdragon (or a male duck)Bold and modern.
- DylanWelshson of the seaA poetic Welsh classic.
Unisex names (3)
- DakotaDakota Siouxfriend, allyOpen and warm.
- DanaScandinavian / Irishfrom Denmark (Scandinavian); several other meaningsA brief, easygoing name.
- DarcyIrish / Normandark (Irish) or 'from Arcy' (Norman)Literary, thanks to Mr Darcy.
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How to choose
Flower and nature options
Daisy, Dahlia and Daphne (laurel) are D names from the garden. They are easy to love, easy to spell and have a clear meaning to share with your child.
Strong consonant, soft ending
The firm D opening pairs well with a soft ending, as in Daphne, Dahlia, Dante and Dylan. If you want a name that sounds both strong and gentle, this is a good pattern.
Look at the biblical and Celtic roots
Daniel, David, Deborah, Delilah and Dinah are biblical, while Declan, Desmond, Darcy and Delaney are Irish. Both families give you names with a deep history and a clear meaning.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most popular baby names that start with D?
Daniel, David, Dominic and Dylan are well-known for boys, and Daisy, Delilah and Diana are popular for girls.
What are unique baby names that start with D?
Delphine, Dahlia, Dorothea, Dexter, Desmond and Dorian are rarer but easy to pronounce.
What are gender-neutral baby names that start with D?
Dakota, Dana, Darcy and Dylan are all used for any gender.
What are D names with a nature meaning?
Daisy, Dahlia and Daphne (laurel) are plants, and Dean (valley) and Dallas (meadow) come from the landscape.
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