Boy Names That Start With D

Choosing a name for your baby can be both exciting and overwhelming with so many choices available. For those interested in names beginning with the letter “D,” there are numerous options that range from popular and cute to rare and unique.

This article provides a curated list of over 100 boy names starting with “D” to help make your decision easier. Whether you’re looking for a name that sounds pleasant, fits a family theme, or simply need inspiration, there is something here for everyone.

Popular Baby Boy Names That Start With D

Daniel

Daniel is a classic name of Hebrew origin meaning “God is my judge.” As the most popular boy name starting with D in the United States, it has a timeless appeal and has been cherished by many families.

David

David is another established name with Hebrew roots, translating to “beloved” or “uncle.” Many noteworthy individuals are named David, including the legendary musician David Bowie.

Dylan

Though relatively new in the United States, Dylan has long-standing Welsh origins. The name combines the elements dy, meaning “great,” and llanw, meaning “tide,” evoking the power of a “great tide.” Music enthusiasts may recognize this name from Bob Dylan.

Dominic

Dominic has Latin origins and means “of the Lord.” Historically linked to children born on Sunday, this name has remained popular over the centuries.

Declan

An Irish name, Declan rose in popularity in the United States in the late 1990s. Despite its now-trendy status, the meaning of Declan remains uncertain. It is an Anglicized version of the Irish name Deaglán.

Damian

Damian comes from the Greek name Damianos, meaning “to tame.” This name is associated with Saint Damian, the patron saint of physicians, who was a fourth-century martyr.

Diego

Diego is a common Spanish boys’ name, thought to be a short form of Santiago or derived from a Greek word meaning “teaching.” The name’s famous bearers include the Mexican artist Diego Rivera.

Dean

Originally a surname, Dean has dual meanings. As a location surname, it means “valley,” while as an occupational surname, it denotes “dean,” from the Latin decanus, or “chief of ten.”

Dawson

Dawson literally means “son of Daw,” where Daw is a medieval diminutive of David, meaning “beloved” or “uncle.” This name has been used both as a surname and a given name.

Dallas

Although Dallas may conjure images of the Texan city, the name also has Old English and Scottish Gaelic roots. In Old English, it means “valley house,” and in Scottish Gaelic, it translates to “meadow dwelling.”

Rare and Unique Baby Boy Names That Start With D

Dacre

Originally a surname from Cumbria in the United Kingdom, Dacre means “trickling stream.” This name is both rare and unique, giving any boy a touch of individuality.

Daley

Daley is a Gaelic name that means “assembly.” Emerging from the Irish surname Ó Dálaigh, it stands out as an uncommon yet meaningful name for a baby boy.

Dante

As an Italian name, Dante is a shortened form of Durante, which means “enduring.” Though not common, it’s recognized thanks to Dante Alighieri, the famous poet and writer of Divine Comedy.

Darby

A unisex name that only briefly appeared in U.S. records, Darby means “deer town” in Old Norse. It’s unique and rare, making it a standout choice for a baby boy.

Darden

Darden is a rare name with unclear origins, possibly an English surname. Despite its mystery, it lends a unique edge to any child’s name.

Darian

A gender-neutral name, Darian is a variant of Darren. It may come from a rare Irish surname or the French place name Darrell, linking it to Airelle in France.

Darius

Used in Roman and Greek history, Darius originates from the Persian name Dārayavahush, meaning “possessing goodness.” Several ancient Persian kings held this name, including Darius the Great.

Dashiell

This exceptionally rare name is thought to be an Anglicized version of the French name de Chiel. Originally a surname, Dashiell is unique and memorable for any boy.

Daxton

A less common version of Dax, Daxton has seen some popularity in the U.S. during the 2010s. Dax likely originates from a place surname tied to the French town of Dax.

Deemer

From the Old English word demere, Deemer is an occupational name meaning “judge.” Its uniqueness makes it a noteworthy choice for a baby boy.

Deforest

Originating from France, Deforest means “from the forest.” It offers a fresh alternative to more common names like Forest or Forrest.

Delano

This name comes from the French words de la Noye, meaning “wetland, swamp.” It also has historical significance as the middle name of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt.

Delbert

A rare name in the U.S., Delbert is a shortened form of the Dutch name Adelbert, meaning “noble and bright.” It first appeared among Dutch descendants in New York.

Delroy

An alteration of Leroy, Delroy translates to “the king” from the French words le and roi. This name adds a regal touch to any boy’s identity.

Denholm

Derived from Old English, Denholm is a place name meaning “valley island.” Its uniqueness makes it a standout choice.

Denver

While known as a city name, Denver has Old English roots meaning “Dane ford,” a Danish river or stream. The name bears a subtle connection to water and nature.

Derren

Derren is an alternative spelling of Darren, originating from the French place name Darrel. This gives it a rare and unique appeal.

Devereux

This French-origin name means “from Evreux,” a town in Normandy. Devereux stands out for its distinctiveness and historical roots.

Dezi

A diminutive of Desmond, Dezi comes from the Irish name Deasmhumhain, meaning “Southern Munster.” This name offers a short and unique alternative.

Digby

A very rare name, Digby is a place name from a small village in central England. It has dual origins meaning “dyke, ditch” in Old English and “farm, town” in Old Norse.

Diggory

Most likely Anglicized from the French name Degaré, meaning “lost one,” Diggory has a poetic touch. Sir Degaré is a notable figure in medieval literature.

Donovan

Although Donovan has been around for centuries, it remains uncommon in the U.S. Originating from an Irish surname meaning “descendant of Donndubhán,” it translates to “dark brown.”

Dorian

This name has ancient Greek origins and has gained some recognition in the U.S., particularly through Oscar Wilde’s novel The Picture of Dorian Gray. The name links back to the Dorian tribe of ancient Greece.

Driscoll

Derived from the Irish surname Ó Eidirsceóil, meaning “descendant of the messenger,” Driscoll offers a rich and rare choice for a baby boy.

Drogo

Drogo may come from the Norman word dragen meaning “to carry,” or other terms like “ghost” or “precious, dear.” It’s a name with varied and unique origins.

Drummond

This Scottish place name comes from the Gaelic word druim, meaning “ridge.” Drummond is rare and imbues a sense of strength and history.

Duddley

A variant of Dudley, Duddley is an Old English place name meaning “Dudda’s clearing.” Though rare, it has historical links to British nobility.

Cute and Cool Baby Boy Names That Start With D

Dagwood

This cool baby boy name means “luminous forest.” Not only is it cute with a unique meaning, but it’s also quite rare. It’s a great option if you prefer slightly longer names for your baby.

Dalton

Meaning “village, town,” this place name comes from Old English. It had a popularity spike in the United States in the 1990s.

Damon

From Greek mythology, Damon comes from the word damazo, meaning “to tame.” According to legend, Damon was friends with Pythias and impressed the king with their loyalty to one another—a great attribute for your little one.

Dane

As a variant of Dean, the name Dane has three potential meanings. It either stands on its own to describe someone from Denmark, means “valley,” or is an occupational name for a dean, as it comes from the Latin word decanus, meaning “chief of ten.”

Daren

This cool-sounding boy name is a variant spelling of Darren, which comes from Darrell, meaning someone from Airelle, France.

Darwin

For boy names that start with D, it doesn’t get much cooler or cuter than the name Darwin, as in Charles Darwin, the famous naturalist. The name originates from Old English elements deor and wine, together meaning “dear friend.”

Davey

As a diminutive of David, Davey makes a very cute nickname. David is a popular name for boys meaning “beloved” or “uncle.”

Deacon

With such a cool-sounding name, it may be surprising that Deacon comes from the Greek word diakonos, meaning “servant.” Serving family and friends is a cute meaning for your loyal and sweet little one!

Delmar

If you’re familiar with the Romance languages, you may be able to dissect the meaning of this name. It’s derived from the Norman French de la mare, meaning “from the sea.”

Denzel

Popularized by the American actor Denzel Washington, this name is a variant of Denzil, a noble name from Cornwall in the United Kingdom.

Derick

If you like Derek as a name for boys but want to put a cool spin on it for your baby, consider the alternative spelling of Derick. Derek is actually the German form of Theodoric, meaning “ruler of the people.”

Desmond

Both cute and cool, Desmond is an Irish Gaelic name referring to someone from South Munster, a province in Ireland. Desmond is the perfect example of cute last names that make great first names!

Deshawn

To find the meaning of Deshawn, you’ll follow an interesting path (via Shawn and Sean) to the name John, a Hebrew moniker meaning “Yahweh is gracious” in reference to the Jewish god Yahweh.

Devlin

At its origins, Devlin means “unlucky,” but this cool-sounding name actually comes from Ireland and refers to those in the Doibhilin family.

Dewi

This cute baby boy name has two potential meanings. It either refers to the shape-shifting Hindu goddess Devi or is the Welsh form of David, which means “beloved” or “uncle.”

Dewayne

This variant of Duane originates from the Irish Gaelic name Dubhán, which means “dark black.”

Dexter

If you love the kids’ cartoon Dexter, you may like this cute name!

Fittingly, Dexter is a Latin word meaning “skilled.”

Dillon

As a variant spelling of the popular boys’ name Dylan, this Welsh name means “great tide.”

Dolph

This name is short for Adolph, a Germanic name meaning “noble wolf.”

It was the name of several Swedish kings.

Douglas

From the Gaelic words dubh and glais, Douglas means “dark river.”

It was originally a place name in Scotland but has been used as a given name since the sixteenth century.

Drake

If you like the singer Drake, then you know why this name is so cool!

It originates from two names: Draki in Old Norse and Draca in Old English, which both mean “dragon.”

Drew

Short for Andrew, this boy name oozes cool guy vibes.

Andrew is a Greek name meaning “manly, masculine.”

Dusty

Popular in the 1980s, Dusty is a cute option for your little one!

It’s a nickname for Dustin, which comes from the Old Norse moniker Torsten, meaning “Thor’s stone.”

Could a name be any cuter and cooler at the same time?

Dutch

This cute option has an interesting origin.

It was once used for Americans with German descent, relating to the word deutsch, which simply means “German.”

Classic Baby Boy Names That Start With D

Darrel

Some male names with “D” come from Darrel, which means one from Airelle, France.

Dennis

A variation of Denis, this name is often seen in English, German, and Dutch languages.

Its medieval French form comes from Dionysius, which originates from the Greek name Dios, Zeus, representing the sky or shine.

Dustin

Originating from Old Norse, Dustin means “Thor’s Stone.” Thor was a Norse god known for thunder.

Dave

A common nickname for David, Dave is old-fashioned yet enduring.

David is a Welsh name that means “beloved” or “uncle.”

Donald

Donald was very popular in the 1930s in the United States.

It has Gaelic roots from the name Domhnall, meaning “ruler of the world.” Variations include Don, Donnie, and Donal.

Dempsey

Often used as an Irish surname, Dempsey means “descendant of Díomasach” and translates to “proud” as a given name.

Dimitri

This old-fashioned Russian name originates from the Greek name Demetrios.

It is the male version of Demeter, a Greek goddess whose name means “mother earth.”

Dilbert

An old German name, Dilbert comes from the word beraht, meaning “bright.”

It was also the name of a famous comic strip character.

Denton

This name means “valley, town” in Old English and was popular in the nineteenth century, with its popularity fading by the 1940s.

Dewey

Likely a variant of Dewi, the Welsh form of David.

David means “beloved” or “uncle.”

Dick

A short form of Richard, a Germanic name meaning “brave ruler.”

Once popular in the United States, Dick declined after the 1930s.

Diedrick

Another short form of Dick, Diedrick is the Dutch version of Theodoric, meaning “ruler of the people.”

Theodoric the Great was a sixth-century king who ruled Italy.

Doc

An old-fashioned name used as a nickname for someone with the title of doctor.

Doyle

An Irish surname derived from Dougal, meaning “dark stranger.”

Notably, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the author of the Sherlock Holmes mysteries, bore this name.

Dupree

A variant of Dupre, this name has French origins and means “from the meadow.”

Short Baby Boy Names That Start With D

Dale

A short classic, Dale had a long run as a popular men’s name that started with D.

It was commonly used through the early 2000s and was also a girl’s name in the mid-twentieth century. Dale is a place name for someone living in or near a dale or valley.

Dara

Although often thought of as a feminine name, Dara is a consistent baby boy’s name in Ireland.

It means “son of oak.” Dara can also mean “star” in Sanskrit or “wealthy” in Persian.

Dash

Dash is the short form of Dashiell, which has an unknown meaning. In Albanian, however, Dash means “ram.”

Daud

Daud originates from David, which means “beloved” or “uncle.”

This name offers a fresh alternative to the commonly used David.

Day

As a unisex name, Day means “to burn.”

It could serve as a great middle name for boys.

Dee

With Scottish heritage, Dee is named after the River Dee. This name is both simple and significant.

Dell

Similar to the name Dale, Dell is a place moniker for someone living in or near a dell or valley.

Den

Den is a short form of Dennis, relating back to the Greek god Zeus, whose name means “sky” or “shine.”

Dene

A rare boy’s name starting with the letter D, Dene relates to Dean.

It has three potential meanings: “valley,” referring to someone from Denmark, or an occupational name for a dean.

Deon

Deon relates to Dion, which is short for the Greek name Dionysios.

It means “sky” or “shine,” similar to the name Zeus.

Des

Another short form of the name Desmond, Des refers to someone from the South Munster, a region in Ireland.

DJ

DJ is typically a name that involves a bit of creativity.

Usually, it refers to someone with those initials for their first and middle names, such as Dennis John or Dustin Jacob.

Dodge

Dodge is a medieval diminutive for the name Roger, a Germanic moniker meaning “famous spear.”

Dre

This name is short for Andre, the French and Portuguese form of Andrew, which means “manly, masculine.”

This name may also remind one of the famous rapper and music producer Dr. Dre.

Dru

The name Dru could be a variant of Drew (short for Andrew, meaning “manly, masculine”) or short for Drummond, which means “ridge” in Gaelic.

Dru and Dre would make cute names for twins!

Duke

As a noble title, Duke comes from the Latin word dux, meaning “leader.”

International D Names for Boys

Da.

This Chinese name has several meanings, including “achieve,” “arrive,” “intelligent,” “big,” “great,” “vast,” or “high.”

Because it’s a common word, its meaning depends on how it’s written, either as dá or dà. As a given name, the meaning can be chosen according to preference.

Daiki

Pronounced da-eek-yee, this Japanese name combines the two words dai and ki.

Dai means “big, great” whereas ki has several meanings, including “brightness,” “tree,” and “value.”

For those who prefer the meaning “great tree,” this name is an excellent option inspired by nature.

Dalibor

A Slavic name found in the Balkans, Czechia, and Slovakia, Dalibor combines the words dali (meaning “distance”) and borti (meaning “to fight”).

It’s a popular name for boys in Czechia.

Damocles

As an ancient Greek name, Damocles means “the people” and “glory.”

In legend, Damocles was jealous of the king, so they switched roles for a day to understand the shared perils of life.

Dana

Though Dana is a popular unisex name in English, it can also be found in other countries and languages.

In Persian, Dana means “wise.”

Datu

In Filipino and Tagalog languages, the name Datu is usually reserved for nobility, meaning “chief.”

Davit

This Armenian and Georgian version of David means “beloved” or “uncle.”

Deep

An alternative spelling of the name Dip (pronounced like deep), this name comes from India.

It’s the masculine version of the name Dipa, which means “light” in Sanskrit.

Delshad

This name offers a cute meaning, “happy heart” or “cheerful,” and comes from Persian.

Demir

A name with a strong meaning, Demir is the Turkish word for “iron.”

You’ll find it in Bosnia and Turkey.

Detlef

In German, the name Detlef means “people” and “heritage.”

It might be recognized by basketball fans as the name of NBA All-Star Detlef Schrempf.

Dharma

In Sanskrit, the name Dharma means “that which is established, law, duty, virtue.”

It’s a wonderful choice if looking for a strong or noble moniker.

Dieter

Another German name, Dieter means “warrior of the people.”

Dino

This cute Italian name is the short form of any names ending with -dino or -tino, such as Brandino, Martino, and Agostino.

Donal

The Irish version of the name Donald, Donal or Dónal is the Anglicized version of Domhnall.

This name is quite popular in Ireland.

Doru

A popular and traditional Romanian name, Doru comes from the word dor, which means “longing.”

Dren

If you appreciate the name Dre but want a different spelling or have Balkan roots, consider the Albanian version, Dren, which comes from the word dre meaning “deer.”

Dumisani

Pronounced doo-mee-SAH-nee, this Zulu name from Southern Africa means “praise.”

Its short form is simply Dumi.