Best D Names for Boys
Boy names that start with D are plentiful, especially among uncommon names. If you’re looking for a same-letter namesake for your Uncle Derek or Grandpa Dean, you might surprised to see that there are only four currently in the Top 100: Daniel, David, Dylan, and Dominic.
But why limit yourself to these obvious choices when there are so many other more distinctive — even daring — possibilities?
Here are the Nameberry Picks of the 15 best boy names that start with the letter D.
Dallas
This Texas city name is one of the most "All-American" place names for boys. While Dallas feels modern, the name has been in the Top 500 in the US since the late 1800s. Today Dallas sits at number 270, carrying a laid-back, cowboy vibe.
Dante
This Italian boy name closely associated with the great medieval Florentine poet Dante Alighieri — who's so famous most people skip the last name — has a cool and international flair. Dante was originally derived from the Latin Durante, meaning "enduring". Today Dante sits at number 311 and has stayed fairly consistent in ranking over the last two decades, making him a great option for parents looking for a name that is familiar and has a solid history without being heard on every playground.
Darrow
Boy names ending in the "-o" sound are in, and Darrow could be a great new addition to the list. An English name meaning "spear," Darrow remains completely undiscovered in the US. Rhyming names Arrow and Sparrow are two of the coolest word names out there, and Darrow is a bold successor with an attractive sound and look.
Dashiell
We at Nameberry who love this name so much find it hard to believe that this dashing appellation still has not yet entered the US Top 1000. Long associated with detective writer Dashiell Hammett (born Samuel Dashiell, his mother’s maiden name), it popped into the spotlight when chosen for several celebrity children. Dashiell, called Dash, is also seen as the adorable animated boy in The Incredibles. Grab it while you can!
Desmond
This sophisticated Irish name came into use in the late 1960s and has floated around the 300s in the rankings since. Beatles fans may think of references to Desmond in the song "Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da" — possibly used in tribute to reggae singer Desmond Dekker. Nickname options Dez and Desi give Desmond an extra cool factor.
Top D Names for Boys in the US
Dev
Devin may be out of favor after his shining moments in the 90s, but Dev is fresh and cool. This mini name packs a punch. Dev is of Sanskrit origin and means "god." Rising actor Dev Patel was in works such as Slumdog Millionaire and Lion, giving this intriguing name some attention.
Dexter
The jazzy, ultra-cool Dexter, like most names with an "x," has a lot of energy and dynamism. The name Dexter appears often in literature, music, and media, including jazz tenor saxophonist Dexter Gordon, the protagonist in F. Scott Fitzgerald's Winter Dreams, children's cartoon Dexter's Lab, and the more recent TV series Dexter. Dexter is used frequently for good reason, yet is only at number 533 in the US popularity charts. Nickname Dex also fits in well with trending favorites like Max, Fox, Pax, Knox, and Jax.
Dion
The shortened form of Greek names like Dionysus stands nicely on its own. Famed Irish playwright Dion Boucicault was born Dionysus; in Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale, Dion is a Sicilian lord, and in the 1960s there was doo-wop’s Dion and the Belmonts. Today the sleek Dion is connected to singer Celine Dion.
Donnelly
This fun and rhythmic Irish surname, meaning "dark, brave one" is a great option for someone looking to move beyond Donovan and Donald. Irish surnames are in, with their energetic and dynamic sounds — think Sullivan, Finnegan, or Kennedy. Donnelly is an undiscovered option that checks all the boxes.
Dorian
This name of an ancient Greek tribe comes from the same roots as Dorothy, meaning "gift." Dorian was introduced as a first name by Oscar Wilde in his 1890 novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray. While this particular Dorian was not the most admirable of characters, the appeal of the name itself has kept Dorian on the charts since the 1960s, currently at 567. Dorian also has a musical meaning, being one of the musical modes.
Unique Boy Names That Start with D
Dov
Looking for Hebrew boy names with animal meanings? Dov — pronounced DAA-v — means bear, connoting strength, and was first popular in medieval Europe when animal names were in vogue. It is also a diminutive of David, which means beloved, and another of its meanings is "to whisper."
Draco
While strongly tied to Harry Potter's Draco Malfoy, we believe Draco is ready to move past his wizarding days and enter the muggle world. Draco is a name nearly everyone has heard, and yet it seems no one is considering. The sounds are all there — The name Drake has had a resurgence in the last two decades, with rapper Drake being a leading artist of the 2000s. Draco also has the oh-so-fashionable -o ending so many parents are seeking today.
Drummer
This off-beat musical and occupational choice is one that we think has a lot of potential. Drummer was introduced to the baby name lexicon after being chosen for a son by blogger No Big Dill, but remains an undiscovered gem today.
Duarte
Dashing Duarte is the Portuguese variation of Edward, but has a completely different feel. Duarte is handsome and suave, and feels as though he came directly out of a romance novel. Duarte ranks as high as number 3 in Portugal, but does not make the charts in the US.
Dune
One of the coolest undiscovered nature names, Dune would fit right in with classmates Bay, River, and Ocean. The award-winning sci-fi books from the 1960s as well as the 2021 movie adaptation give this name an intergalactic edge as well.
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