Darwin

boyOld English

Darwin is an boy name of Old English origin, meaning “Dear friend”.

MeaningDear friend
GenderBoy
OriginOld English
PronunciationDAR-win
TraditionModern & Classic
Used inUnited States, Philippines, Ecuador, United Kingdom

Meaning and origin of Darwin

Darwin comes from the Old English personal name Deorwine, made of deor, 'dear', and wine, 'friend'. It survived as an English surname and became famous through Charles Darwin, the naturalist whose theory of evolution by natural selection changed biology. His fame turned the surname into a first name, now used across the Americas and the Philippines. The Australian city of Darwin is also named after him.

Is Darwin a religious name?

Darwin is a secular name from an Old English personal name and has no religious background.

How popular is Darwin?

Uncommon in Britain but noticeably used in Latin America and the Philippines.

Gifts with the name Darwin

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. We may earn a small commission from these links, at no extra cost to you.

Spellings and variants of Darwin

DerwinDurwin

Names similar to Darwin

More boy names

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Darwin mean?

Darwin means 'Dear friend'. It is of Old English origin.

Does Darwin have a religious meaning?

Darwin is a secular name from an Old English personal name and has no religious background.

How do you pronounce Darwin?

Darwin is pronounced DAR-win.

Is Darwin a boy or girl name?

Darwin is usually a boy name.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.