Daryl is a given name, primarily masculine, that originated as a variant spelling of Darrell. The spelling Daryl rose to prominence in the mid-20th century, especially in English-speaking countries, as an alternative to the more common forms like Darrell and Darryl. Etymology and Origins The name ultimately derives from the Norman French phrase d'Airelle, meaning 'from Airelle,' a place in France. The surname Darell (or Darrell) was brought to England after the Norman Conquest of 1066, and later evolved into a given name. The variant spelling Daryl, along with other forms such as Darrel and Darryl, emerged as the name gained popularity as a first name in the 20th century. Cultural Significance and Notable Bearers Like its parent form Darrell, Daryl was moderately popular from the 1930s through the 1970s, particularly in the United States, although it dropped off the top 1000 rankings later. Some notable bearers include American MLB player Daryl Boston (born 1963) and Daryl Garrett, an American football player. However, many individuals with this name variant use the spelling 'Darryl', such as NBA player Darryl Dawkins, or 'Daryl' is used by people outside the US. The versatility of spelling means the name can be found across different cultures, often pronounced similarly despite the orthographic differences. Variants and Related Names Daryl shares its roots with numerous alternative spellings and forms, including Darell, Dariel, Darrel, Darrell, Darryl, and Derryl. In African American communities, the forms Darrell and Darryl are particularly common, while in the Spanish-speaking Caribbean, Dariel is a well-known variant. Despite the different spellings, all these names trace back to the same Norman d'Airelle origin and bear similar meanings. Meaning: Variant of Darrell, derived from Norman French meaning 'from Airelle'. Origin: Norman French via the surname Darrell. Type: Given name, primarily masculine. Usage: English, especially in the United States; used across other regions and cultures.