Da & De Names
Updated Sat Jan 14 2023
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The Da- and De- prefixes are French in origin — they mean "son of" — but have come to represent a now-faded trend in African American naming. Most Da and De names peaked in the 1990s, making them characteristically Millennial names. They were particularly popular among baby boys, and Deandre was the highest ranking of them all.
Along with Deandre, other Da and De names currently in the US Top 1000 include Demetrius, Damari, Dakari, and D’Angelo. At the height of their fashion, in the mid- ‘90s, Deshawn, Davonte, Demario, and Dequan were common as well.
Our list encompasses names that use Da and De (and D) as a singular syllable. Many of these names are modern interpretations of classic names, and others are combinations of stylish syllables.
Da and De names are no longer as hot as they used to be (they’re more likely to be worn by moms and dads!) but you may still find inspiration on this list. Search our collection of Da and De names for babies below.
Along with Deandre, other Da and De names currently in the US Top 1000 include Demetrius, Damari, Dakari, and D’Angelo. At the height of their fashion, in the mid- ‘90s, Deshawn, Davonte, Demario, and Dequan were common as well.
Our list encompasses names that use Da and De (and D) as a singular syllable. Many of these names are modern interpretations of classic names, and others are combinations of stylish syllables.
Da and De names are no longer as hot as they used to be (they’re more likely to be worn by moms and dads!) but you may still find inspiration on this list. Search our collection of Da and De names for babies below.
- Demetrius
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"follower of Demeter"Description:
Classical and Shakespearean name that may appeal if you like your names long, flowing and multicultural.
- Deandre
Origin:
Modern invented nameDescription:
Obviously, Andre with the prefix De-, which denotes "son of".
- Deangelo
Origin:
ItalianMeaning:
"from the angel"Description:
This name obviously has the prefix De- that denotes "son of"—in this form it can mean either "son of Angelo" or "from the angel."
- Damari
Origin:
Variation of AmariDescription:
Damari is thought to be a variation of the popular trans-cultural name Amari with the Da- prefix. Amari means "eternal" in Hebrew and may mean "strength" in Yoruba, though other sources list the African meaning as unknown.
- Dakari
Origin:
AfricanMeaning:
"rejoice"Description:
This name from the Shona language is a new entrant to the Top 1000 in the US.
- Denisha
Origin:
American variation of Denise, French from GreekMeaning:
"god of Nysa"Description:
Typical of formula that takes a traditional name syllable and adds -isha ending.
- Delora
- Deshan
Origin:
HindiMeaning:
"of the nation"Description:
Attractive Indian name unfamiliar to most Western parents.
- Deandra
- Dashawn
Origin:
Variation of DeShawnMeaning:
"God is gracious"Description:
DeShawn or Deshawn is the more popular variation, but Dashawn charted from the late 1980s until 2010, which means it's on its way to becoming a Dad Name. Traditionally, the De or Da prefix means "son of", so this name means "son of Shawn", with Shawn a variation of John.
- Dametrius
- Dangelo
Origin:
Spelling variation of DeangeloDescription:
Even less popular than the rarely-used Deangelo. This spelling is likely helped by singer-songwriter and record producer D'Angelo.
- Demetra
- Damarius
- Dalicia
- Daleah
- Dashawna
Origin:
American variation of ShawnaDescription:
One of many now-downscale names that begin with Da- or De-, a prefix that originally indicated patrimony.
- Demari
- Demario
- Devee