Dareh: a male name of Old Persian origin meaning "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Dāreîos (Δᾱρεῖος),” which in turn derives from the Old Persian “Dārayavauš > Dâriûsh > Dārīus,” meaning “to possess, who owns/possesses the well, who maintains the well".It derives from the Old Persian word "Dārayavauš > Dâriûsh > Dāreîos > Dārīus".
Parents seeking a meaningful masculine name often discover Dareh, drawn to its Old Persian heritage and beautiful significance: "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Dāreîos (Δᾱρεῖος),” which in turn derives from the Old Persian “Dārayavauš > Dâriûsh > Dārīus,” meaning “to possess, who owns/possesses the well, who maintains the well". This name offers a perfect blend of cultural depth and personal meaning, making it a timeless choice for families around the world.
Quick Facts About Dareh
Quick facts about Dareh
Origin
Old Persian
Gender
Boy name
Popularity
Moderately popular
Researched by Name Doctor Linguistics Team
Our names are verified by professional linguists with expertise in etymology and cultural naming traditions.
Last reviewed: November 2025
Meaning
This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Dāreîos (Δᾱρεῖος),” which in turn derives from the Old Persian “Dārayavauš > Dâriûsh > Dārīus,” meaning “to possess, who owns/possesses the well, who maintains the well.” The Old Persian form is also seen to have been reflected in the Elamite “Da-ri-(y)a-ma-u-iš,” Akkadian “Da-(a-)ri-ia-(a-)muš,” Aramaic “dryhwš” and archaizing “drywhwš.” 1) Darius ‘Dārayava(h)uš’ I was the third king of the Persian Achaemenid Empire. Also called Darius the Great, he ruled the empire at its peak, when it included much of West Asia, the Caucasus, Central Asia, parts of the Balkans (Bulgaria-Pannonia), portions of north and northeast Africa including Egypt (Mudrâya), eastern Libya, coastal Sudan, Eritrea, as well as most of Pakistan, the Aegean Islands, and northern Greece / Thrace-Macedonia. 2) Darius II was king of the Persian Empire from 423 BC to 405 BC. 3) Saints Chrysanthus and Daria are saints of the Early Christian period. Their names appear in the Martyrologium Hieronymianum, an early martyr’s list, and a church was built in their honor over their reputed burial place in Rome.
Etymology & Details
Name Root
Dārayavauš > Dâriûsh > Dāreîos > Dārīus
Other Scripts
Armenian (Դարեհ)
How to Pronounce Dareh
Dareh is pronounced /ˈdɑː.reɪ/
Step-by-step pronunciation guide:
Break it into syllables: Dar-eh
Say it like: "DAR-EH"
Practice saying it naturally a few times
✓Pronunciation verified by linguistic sources
Usage & Popularity
Dareh is predominantly used in armenian speaking communities, where it maintains strong cultural connections and traditional significance.
armenian
Frequently Asked Questions About Dareh
What does the name Dareh mean?
Dareh means "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Dāreîos (Δᾱρεῖος),” which in turn derives from the Old Persian “Dārayavauš > Dâriûsh > Dārīus,” meaning “to possess, who owns/possesses the well, who maintains the well.” The Old Persian form is also seen to have been reflected in the Elamite “Da-ri-(y)a-ma-u-iš,” Akkadian “Da-(a-)ri-ia-(a-)muš,” Aramaic “dryhwš” and archaizing “drywhwš.” 1) Darius ‘Dārayava(h)uš’ I was the third king of the Persian Achaemenid Empire. Also called Darius the Great, he ruled the empire at its peak, when it included much of West Asia, the Caucasus, Central Asia, parts of the Balkans (Bulgaria-Pannonia), portions of north and northeast Africa including Egypt (Mudrâya), eastern Libya, coastal Sudan, Eritrea, as well as most of Pakistan, the Aegean Islands, and northern Greece / Thrace-Macedonia. 2) Darius II was king of the Persian Empire from 423 BC to 405 BC. 3) Saints Chrysanthus and Daria are saints of the Early Christian period. Their names appear in the Martyrologium Hieronymianum, an early martyr’s list, and a church was built in their honor over their reputed burial place in Rome.". The name comes from Dārayavauš > Dâriûsh > Dāreîos > Dārīus. In its original form, the name derives from Dāreîos (Δᾱρεῖος)� Dâriûsh (داریوش). This old persian name has been passed down through generations, carrying its meaning across different cultures and time periods. Parents who choose Dareh for boys often connect with the name's meaning of "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Dāreîos (Δᾱρεῖος),” which in turn derives from the Old Persian “Dārayavauš > Dâriûsh > Dārīus,” meaning “to possess, who owns/possesses the well, who maintains the well.” The Old Persian form is also seen to have been reflected in the Elamite “Da-ri-(y)a-ma-u-iš,” Akkadian “Da-(a-)ri-ia-(a-)muš,” Aramaic “dryhwš” and archaizing “drywhwš.” 1) Darius ‘Dārayava(h)uš’ I was the third king of the Persian Achaemenid Empire. Also called Darius the Great, he ruled the empire at its peak, when it included much of West Asia, the Caucasus, Central Asia, parts of the Balkans (Bulgaria-Pannonia), portions of north and northeast Africa including Egypt (Mudrâya), eastern Libya, coastal Sudan, Eritrea, as well as most of Pakistan, the Aegean Islands, and northern Greece / Thrace-Macedonia. 2) Darius II was king of the Persian Empire from 423 BC to 405 BC. 3) Saints Chrysanthus and Daria are saints of the Early Christian period. Their names appear in the Martyrologium Hieronymianum, an early martyr’s list, and a church was built in their honor over their reputed burial place in Rome." as a quality they hope to see in their child. While not the most common choice, Dareh's meaningful roots have given it staying power among parents looking for a name with substance.
What is the origin of the name Dareh?
Dareh is a old persian name. The name traces back to Dārayavauš > Dâriûsh > Dāreîos > Dārīus. The original form Dāreîos (Δᾱρεῖος)� Dâriûsh (داریوش) shows the name's roots in its native language. In its native script, Dareh is written as Armenian (Դարեհ). The name remains closely tied to armenian naming traditions while occasionally appearing in other cultures. The old persian meaning "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Dāreîos (Δᾱρεῖος),” which in turn derives from the Old Persian “Dārayavauš > Dâriûsh > Dārīus,” meaning “to possess, who owns/possesses the well, who maintains the well.” The Old Persian form is also seen to have been reflected in the Elamite “Da-ri-(y)a-ma-u-iš,” Akkadian “Da-(a-)ri-ia-(a-)muš,” Aramaic “dryhwš” and archaizing “drywhwš.” 1) Darius ‘Dārayava(h)uš’ I was the third king of the Persian Achaemenid Empire. Also called Darius the Great, he ruled the empire at its peak, when it included much of West Asia, the Caucasus, Central Asia, parts of the Balkans (Bulgaria-Pannonia), portions of north and northeast Africa including Egypt (Mudrâya), eastern Libya, coastal Sudan, Eritrea, as well as most of Pakistan, the Aegean Islands, and northern Greece / Thrace-Macedonia. 2) Darius II was king of the Persian Empire from 423 BC to 405 BC. 3) Saints Chrysanthus and Daria are saints of the Early Christian period. Their names appear in the Martyrologium Hieronymianum, an early martyr’s list, and a church was built in their honor over their reputed burial place in Rome." reflects values important in the culture where this name first appeared.
Is Dareh a boy or girl name?
Dareh is a boy's name. The name has been used for boys across many generations, maintaining its masculine character through different eras and cultures. In old persian tradition, Dareh has historically been given to boys. The meaning "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Dāreîos (Δᾱρεῖος),” which in turn derives from the Old Persian “Dārayavauš > Dâriûsh > Dārīus,” meaning “to possess, who owns/possesses the well, who maintains the well.” The Old Persian form is also seen to have been reflected in the Elamite “Da-ri-(y)a-ma-u-iš,” Akkadian “Da-(a-)ri-ia-(a-)muš,” Aramaic “dryhwš” and archaizing “drywhwš.” 1) Darius ‘Dārayava(h)uš’ I was the third king of the Persian Achaemenid Empire. Also called Darius the Great, he ruled the empire at its peak, when it included much of West Asia, the Caucasus, Central Asia, parts of the Balkans (Bulgaria-Pannonia), portions of north and northeast Africa including Egypt (Mudrâya), eastern Libya, coastal Sudan, Eritrea, as well as most of Pakistan, the Aegean Islands, and northern Greece / Thrace-Macedonia. 2) Darius II was king of the Persian Empire from 423 BC to 405 BC. 3) Saints Chrysanthus and Daria are saints of the Early Christian period. Their names appear in the Martyrologium Hieronymianum, an early martyr’s list, and a church was built in their honor over their reputed burial place in Rome." carries well for a son, giving the name lasting appeal.
How do you pronounce Dareh?
Dareh is pronounced "/ˈdɑː.reɪ/". This pronunciation follows pe language patterns. In its original script, the name appears as Armenian (Դարեհ), which helps explain how native speakers pronounce it. As a single-syllable name, Dareh is quick to say and easy to call out. If you're unfamiliar with old persian names, listening to a native speaker say Dareh can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis. The name's root Dārayavauš > Dâriûsh > Dāreîos > Dārīus influences how Dareh sounds in its original language.
How popular is the name Dareh?
Dareh is somewhat common, familiar to most people. With moderate popularity, Dareh offers familiarity without being everywhere. It's the kind of name people recognize but don't hear every day. Dareh's popularity may vary between old persian communities and the broader population, where naming trends differ. The name's meaning of "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Dāreîos (Δᾱρεῖος),” which in turn derives from the Old Persian “Dārayavauš > Dâriûsh > Dārīus,” meaning “to possess, who owns/possesses the well, who maintains the well.” The Old Persian form is also seen to have been reflected in the Elamite “Da-ri-(y)a-ma-u-iš,” Akkadian “Da-(a-)ri-ia-(a-)muš,” Aramaic “dryhwš” and archaizing “drywhwš.” 1) Darius ‘Dārayava(h)uš’ I was the third king of the Persian Achaemenid Empire. Also called Darius the Great, he ruled the empire at its peak, when it included much of West Asia, the Caucasus, Central Asia, parts of the Balkans (Bulgaria-Pannonia), portions of north and northeast Africa including Egypt (Mudrâya), eastern Libya, coastal Sudan, Eritrea, as well as most of Pakistan, the Aegean Islands, and northern Greece / Thrace-Macedonia. 2) Darius II was king of the Persian Empire from 423 BC to 405 BC. 3) Saints Chrysanthus and Daria are saints of the Early Christian period. Their names appear in the Martyrologium Hieronymianum, an early martyr’s list, and a church was built in their honor over their reputed burial place in Rome." likely influences its appeal, as parents often choose names that express values or hopes for their children. Among boys' names, Dareh holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
Where is the name Dareh commonly used?
Dareh is used primarily in armenian naming traditions. Though old persian in origin, Dareh found a home in other cultures where it resonated with local naming preferences. The meaning "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Dāreîos (Δᾱρεῖος),” which in turn derives from the Old Persian “Dārayavauš > Dâriûsh > Dārīus,” meaning “to possess, who owns/possesses the well, who maintains the well.” The Old Persian form is also seen to have been reflected in the Elamite “Da-ri-(y)a-ma-u-iš,” Akkadian “Da-(a-)ri-ia-(a-)muš,” Aramaic “dryhwš” and archaizing “drywhwš.” 1) Darius ‘Dārayava(h)uš’ I was the third king of the Persian Achaemenid Empire. Also called Darius the Great, he ruled the empire at its peak, when it included much of West Asia, the Caucasus, Central Asia, parts of the Balkans (Bulgaria-Pannonia), portions of north and northeast Africa including Egypt (Mudrâya), eastern Libya, coastal Sudan, Eritrea, as well as most of Pakistan, the Aegean Islands, and northern Greece / Thrace-Macedonia. 2) Darius II was king of the Persian Empire from 423 BC to 405 BC. 3) Saints Chrysanthus and Daria are saints of the Early Christian period. Their names appear in the Martyrologium Hieronymianum, an early martyr’s list, and a church was built in their honor over their reputed burial place in Rome." carries universal appeal, helping explain why different cultures adopted Dareh into their naming traditions. A child named Dareh will likely find their name recognized in multiple countries, which can be an advantage for families with international connections or who value global accessibility. Across these cultures, Dareh is given to boys, maintaining consistent gender association.
Sources: Etymology verified through linguistic research including Oxford Dictionary of First Names, Behind the Name, and academic etymology databases.