Darek

Darek is a masculine name with Slavic origins, particularly popular in Poland and Czech Republic. It functions as a diminutive of Dariusz (Polish version of Darius), which traces back to the ancient Persian name Dārayavahush, meaning 'possessing goodness' or 'maintaining good.' In some contexts, Darek can also be considered a variant spelling of Derek, which has Old Germanic roots meaning 'ruler of the people.' The name has a strong, concise sound that travels well across language boundaries. While common in Eastern European countries, Darek remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking nations, offering a distinctive yet accessible option. Its brevity and simple pronunciation make it practical across cultural contexts.

Pronounced DAR-ek.

As of October 2026, Darek ranked #3970 for boys in US births in 2025 SSA, peaked at #1127 for boys in 1973.