This page brings together 101 English names that start with the letter D, running alphabetically from “Daniel” all the way to “Dwight.” You’ll find a mix of timeless classics, vintage favorites, and fresh modern picks, covering names for boys, girls, and any gender. Whether you’re naming a baby, a character in a story, or just exploring where these names come from, this list gives you everything in one easy place.

English names are the traditional and modern given names used across English-speaking countries, drawn from many roots including Hebrew, Greek, Latin, Celtic, and old place names. Many carry stories that stretch back centuries, like Daphne, which comes from a Greek myth about a nymph who turned into a laurel tree. These names blend history, culture, and personal meaning in ways that still feel fresh today.

Below you’ll find the table with Name, Gender, Origin, Meaning, Famous Namesakes, and Description.

Name: This shows you the name itself, spelled in its most common English form, so you can quickly scan the full alphabetical list.

Gender: This tells you whether a name is typically used for males, females, or works comfortably as a unisex choice for anyone.

Origin: This points to the language or culture a name comes from, such as Hebrew, Greek, or Scottish, giving you helpful background.

Meaning: This gives you the literal sense behind each name, so you can choose one whose message truly resonates with you.

Famous Namesakes: This lists well-known real people and characters who share the name, helping you picture its personality and cultural feel.

Description: This offers a short, friendly summary of each name’s history, style, and nicknames, so you understand what makes it special.

English names

NameGenderOriginMeaningFamous Namesakes
DanielMaleHebrewGod is my judgeDaniel Craig, Daniel Radcliffe, Daniel Day-Lewis
DavidMaleHebrewBelovedDavid Bowie, David Beckham, David Attenborough
DaisyFemaleEnglishDay’s eye (the flower)Daisy Ridley, Daisy Duke (character)
DorothyFemaleGreekGift of GodDorothy Parker, Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz
DaphneFemaleGreekLaurel treeDaphne du Maurier, Daphne Blake (Scooby-Doo)
DylanMaleWelshSon of the seaBob Dylan, Dylan Thomas
DianaFemaleLatinDivine, heavenlyPrincess Diana, Diana Ross
DanielaFemaleHebrewGod is my judgeDaniela Ruah
DeanMaleEnglishValley, or church officialDean Martin, James Dean
DerekMaleEnglishRuler of the peopleDerek Jeter, Derek Jacobi
DonaldMaleScottishWorld rulerDonald Duck, Donald Sutherland
DouglasMaleScottishDark riverDouglas Fairbanks, Douglas Adams
DennisMaleGreekFollower of DionysusDennis the Menace, Dennis Hopper
DorisFemaleGreekGift of the oceanDoris Day, Doris Lessing
DamianMaleGreekTo tame, subdueDamian Lewis, Damien Hirst
DexterMaleLatinRight-handed, skilledDexter Morgan (character)
DelilahFemaleHebrewDelicate, languishingDelilah (biblical figure)
DrewUnisexEnglishManly, braveDrew Barrymore, Nancy Drew
DarrenMaleEnglishUncertain, possibly GaelicDarren Aronofsky
DonnaFemaleItalianLady, womanDonna Summer, Donna Karan
DaleUnisexEnglishValleyDale Carnegie, Dale Earnhardt
DemiFemaleGreek/FrenchHalf, or follower of DemeterDemi Moore, Demi Lovato
DominicMaleLatinBelonging to the LordDominic West, Dom DeLuise
DustinMaleEnglishBrave warriorDustin Hoffman
DarylUnisexEnglishOpen, or from AirelleDaryl Hannah, Daryl Hall
DawnFemaleEnglishDaybreakDawn French
DorianMaleGreekFrom Doris (Greek region)Dorian Gray (character)
DesmondMaleIrishFrom south MunsterDesmond Tutu, Desmond Doss
DudleyMaleEnglishPeople’s fieldDudley Moore
DuncanMaleScottishDark-haired warriorDuncan (Macbeth), Tim Duncan
DarcyUnisexIrish/NormanDark one, or from ArcyMr. Darcy (Pride and Prejudice)
DoloresFemaleSpanishSorrowsDolores del Río, Dolores Umbridge (character)
DaleUnisexEnglishValley dwellerDale Cooper (character)
DaneMaleEnglishFrom DenmarkDane DeHaan
DavinaFemaleScottishBelovedDavina McCall
DeanMaleEnglishValleyDean Cain
DellaFemaleEnglishNoble, brightDella Reese
DelphineFemaleFrenchDolphin, or from DelphiDelphine Seyrig
DemetriusMaleGreekFollower of DemeterDemetrius (Shakespeare characters)
DeniseFemaleFrenchFollower of DionysusDenise Richards
DevonUnisexEnglishFrom Devon (county)Devon Aoki
DexterMaleLatinSkillful, right-handedDexter Gordon
DianneFemaleLatinDivineDianne Wiest
DickMaleEnglishPowerful rulerDick Van Dyke
DieterMaleGermanArmy of the peopleDieter Rams
DionMaleGreekChild of heavenDion DiMucci
DixieFemaleEnglishTenth, or Southern USDixie Carter
DollyFemaleEnglishGift of GodDolly Parton
DominiqueUnisexFrenchBelonging to the LordDominique Dawes
DonovanMaleIrishDark-haired chieftainDonovan (musician)
DoraFemaleGreekGiftDora the Explorer
DoreenFemaleIrishSullen, or giftDoreen Green (Squirrel Girl)
DottieFemaleEnglishGift of GodDottie Hinson (character)
DrakeMaleEnglishDragon, or male duckDrake (rapper)
DwayneMaleIrishDark, swarthyDwayne Johnson
DwightMaleEnglishFrom Diot (Dionysia)Dwight Eisenhower, Dwight Schrute (character)
DaleUnisexEnglishValleyDale Evans
DaleyUnisexIrishAssembly, gatheringTom Daley
DallasUnisexScottishMeadow dwellingDallas (TV character)
DaltonMaleEnglishValley townDalton (Road House)
DamonMaleGreekTo tameDamon Albarn, Matt Damon
DanaUnisexEnglishFrom Denmark, or wiseDana Scully (character)
DannyMaleHebrewGod is my judgeDanny DeVito, Danny Glover
DarbyUnisexNorseDeer settlementDarby O’Gill (character)
DariusMalePersianTo possess, wealthyDarius the Great
DarlaFemaleEnglishDear, belovedDarla (Little Rascals)
DarnellMaleEnglishHidden nookDarnell (various)
DashiellMaleFrenchUncertain, possibly de ChielDashiell Hammett
DavisMaleEnglishSon of DavidDavis (surname use)
DaxMaleEnglish/FrenchFrom Dax (town)Dax Shepard
DaytonMaleEnglishBright townDayton (place use)
DeaconMaleEnglishMessenger, servantDeacon (modern use)
DeborahFemaleHebrewBeeDeborah Kerr, Debbie Harry
DeclanMaleIrishFull of goodnessDeclan Donnelly
DelbertMaleEnglishBright as dayDelbert Mann
DeliaFemaleGreekFrom DelosDelia Smith
DenverUnisexEnglishCrossing of the DanesDenver (place use)
DerrickMaleEnglishRuler of the peopleDerrick Rose
DeshawnMaleEnglishGod is graciousDeShawn (modern use)
DestinyFemaleEnglishFate, destinyDestiny’s Child
DianeFemaleLatinDivineDiane Keaton, Diane Lane
DinaFemaleHebrewJudged, vindicatedDinah Washington
DionneFemaleGreekDivine queenDionne Warwick
DomMaleLatinBelonging to the LordDom (Fast and Furious)
DonMaleScottishWorld rulerDon Cheadle, Don Draper (character)
DonaldMaleScottishWorld rulerDonald Glover
DonnieMaleScottishWorld rulerDonnie Wahlberg, Donnie Yen
DoraFemaleGreekGiftDora Maar
DoreenFemaleIrishGiftDoreen (vintage use)
DorindaFemaleSpanish/GreekBeautiful giftDorinda (literary use)
DotFemaleEnglishGift of GodDot Cotton (character)
DougalMaleScottishDark strangerDougal (Father Ted)
DovieFemaleEnglishDoveDovie (rare use)
DoyleMaleIrishDark strangerArthur Conan Doyle (surname)
DreyfusMaleGerman/JewishThree-footed, tripodDreyfus (surname use)
DrummondMaleScottishRidgeDrummond (surname use)
DrusillaFemaleLatinStrong, fruitfulDrusilla (biblical/Buffy)
DueMaleEnglishOwed, dueDewey (variant)
DukeMaleEnglishLeader, noble titleDuke Ellington, Duke (John Wayne)
DustinMaleEnglishBrave warriorDustin (Stranger Things)
DwightMaleEnglishFrom DionysiaDwight Howard

Descriptions

Daniel
A classic, enduring name rooted in the biblical prophet Daniel. It has stayed popular across English-speaking countries for generations and shortens easily to Dan or Danny.
David
One of the most widely used English names, borne by the biblical King David. Its steady popularity reflects strong religious and cultural roots.
Daisy
A cheerful floral name taken straight from the daisy flower. Once a nickname for Margaret, it is now firmly established on its own.
Dorothy
A vintage favorite that peaked in the early 20th century. It carries a wholesome, nostalgic charm and is often shortened to Dot or Dottie.
Daphne
Drawn from Greek mythology, where a nymph turned into a laurel tree. The name feels elegant and a little whimsical.
Dylan
A Welsh name popularized across the English-speaking world, partly thanks to poet Dylan Thomas. It has a lyrical, free-spirited feel.
Diana
The Roman goddess of the hunt lends this name a regal air. Its profile soared with Princess Diana of Wales.
Daniela
The feminine form of Daniel, used in English alongside Spanish and Italian-speaking communities. It feels graceful and contemporary.
Dean
Originally a surname meaning someone who lived in a valley or served as a dean. It carries a cool, mid-century charm.
Derek
An English form of Theodoric that gained traction in the 20th century. It sounds sturdy and dependable.
Donald
A name of Gaelic origin meaning a powerful leader. Long popular in Britain and America, it is now strongly associated with several public figures.
Douglas
Originally a Scottish surname and place name. It shortens to Doug and has a rugged, old-world appeal.
Dennis
Derived from the Greek god of wine, this name was a mid-century staple. It feels friendly and approachable.
Doris
A sea-themed name from Greek mythology that flourished in the early 1900s. It has a vintage, comforting quality.
Damian
An ancient name linked to Saint Damian, healer and patron of physicians. Spelled Damian or Damien, it carries a slightly dramatic edge.
Dexter
A surname-turned-first-name suggesting dexterity and skill. It has a clever, modern-vintage charm.
Delilah
A biblical name with a soft, melodic sound. Once rare, it has surged in popularity as a romantic choice.
Drew
A short form of Andrew that works on its own for any gender. It feels easygoing and friendly.
Darren
A name that rose sharply in mid-20th-century Britain and America. It has a casual, everyday feel.
Donna
From the Italian word for lady, this name was hugely popular in the 1950s and 60s. It sounds warm and gracious.
Dale
An English nature name meaning a valley. It feels open, friendly, and slightly rustic.
Demi
A short, punchy name linked both to the goddess Demeter and the French word for half. It feels modern and stylish.
Dominic
A name tied to Sunday and Saint Dominic, founder of the Dominican order. It is dignified and shortens to Dom.
Dustin
An English name with Norse roots, brought to fame by actor Dustin Hoffman. It has a warm, dependable sound.
Daryl
A surname-derived name used for both sexes. It carries a relaxed, approachable vibe.
Dawn
A simple word name evoking sunrise and new beginnings. It was especially fashionable in the mid-20th century.
Dorian
Famous from Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray. It sounds artistic and a touch mysterious.
Desmond
An Irish surname adopted as a first name. It feels distinguished and warm, often shortened to Des.
Dudley
An English place and surname meaning a meadow. It has a gentle, old-fashioned charm.
Duncan
A Scottish royal name made famous by Shakespeare’s Macbeth. It sounds strong and steadfast.
Darcy
Best known from Jane Austen’s brooding Mr. Darcy. It works elegantly for any gender.
Dolores
From the Spanish title for the Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Sorrows. It has a rich, classic feel and shortens to Lola or Lolly.
Dale
A breezy nature name suggesting open countryside. It suits a laid-back, friendly personality.
Dane
A short, sleek name meaning a person from Denmark. It feels crisp and modern.
Davina
A Scottish feminine form of David. It sounds graceful and a little exotic.
Dean
See above; a smooth, vintage-cool name with surname roots.
Della
Originally a pet form of Adela or Adelaide, now used on its own. It has a sweet, retro charm.
Delphine
A delicate French name linked to dolphins and the oracle at Delphi. It feels refined and romantic.
Demetrius
A grand classical name tied to the harvest goddess Demeter. It appears in several Shakespeare plays.
Denise
The French feminine form of Dennis, popular in the mid-20th century. It sounds soft and friendly.
Devon
An English place name from the county of Devon. It works comfortably for any gender.
Dexter
See above; a brainy, stylish revival name.
Dianne
A spelling variant of Diane carrying the same heavenly meaning. It has a classic, gentle sound.
Dick
A traditional short form of Richard. Once extremely common, it now feels charmingly old-fashioned.
Dieter
A German name used in English-speaking contexts. It sounds crisp and distinctive.
Dion
A short form linked to Dionysus and the divine. It has a smooth, musical feel.
Dixie
A playful name associated with the American South. It feels spirited and vintage.
Dolly
Originally a nickname for Dorothy, now a beloved standalone name. It is cheerful and full of personality.
Dominique
The French form of Dominic, used for all genders. It sounds chic and international.
Donovan
An Irish surname turned first name with a melodic ring. It feels artistic and warm.
Dora
A short form of Dorothy or Theodora, now popular on its own. It is sweet, simple, and friendly.
Doreen
A name that flourished in early 20th-century Britain. It has a homely, nostalgic warmth.
Dottie
A bubbly pet form of Dorothy used independently. It feels spunky and retro.
Drake
An English surname meaning dragon, now a bold first name. It sounds strong and modern.
Dwayne
A name of Gaelic origin made famous by actor Dwayne Johnson. It feels rugged and friendly.
Dwight
An English surname tied ultimately to Dionysus. It has a sturdy, all-American feel.
Dale
See above; a gentle, outdoorsy classic.
Daley
An Irish surname used as a given name. It feels fresh and approachable.
Dallas
A Scottish place name also linked to the Texas city. It has a confident, modern sound.
Dalton
An English surname meaning a settlement in a valley. It feels rugged and contemporary.
Damon
A classical name tied to the legend of loyal friendship between Damon and Pythias. It sounds smooth and strong.
Dana
A short, versatile name used across genders. It feels clean and understated.
Danny
A friendly pet form of Daniel that stands well on its own. It is warm and approachable.
Darby
An English-Norse place name with an easygoing, vintage charm. It works for any gender.
Darius
An ancient royal Persian name used in English. It carries a regal, powerful air.
Darla
A sweet name derived from “darling.” It has a playful, retro feel.
Darnell
An English surname meaning a hidden spot. It feels smooth and modern.
Dashiell
A distinctive name made famous by writer Dashiell Hammett. It sounds literary and stylish, often shortened to Dash.
Davis
A patronymic surname meaning son of David. It feels polished and preppy.
Dax
A short, punchy name with French roots. It feels energetic and modern.
Dayton
An English place name suggesting a sunny settlement. It has a clean, contemporary sound.
Deacon
Originally a church title, now a fashionable first name. It feels grounded and warm.
Deborah
A biblical name belonging to a prophetess and leader. Popular for decades, it shortens to Deb or Debbie.
Declan
An Irish saint’s name that has spread widely in English. It feels lively and charming.
Delbert
An old-fashioned English name combining day and bright. It has a quaint, vintage charm.
Delia
A classical name linked to the island of Delos and the goddess Artemis. It sounds graceful and timeless.
Denver
An English place name also tied to the Colorado city. It feels open and modern.
Derrick
A variant of Derek with the same strong meaning. It sounds dependable and classic.
Deshawn
A modern American name blending the prefix De- with Shawn. It feels fresh and contemporary.
Destiny
A word name expressing hope and purpose. It became fashionable in the late 20th century.
Diane
A French form of Diana with a heavenly meaning. It is elegant and enduring.
Dina
A short biblical name, also spelled Dinah. It feels gentle and timeless.
Dionne
A graceful name linked to a Greek goddess and mother of Aphrodite. It has a smooth, musical quality.
Dom
A short, confident form of Dominic. It feels casual and strong.
Don
A brisk short form of Donald. It carries a classic, mid-century cool.
Donald
See above; a powerful traditional Scottish name.
Donnie
A friendly pet form of Donald or Donovan. It feels warm and approachable.
Dora
See above; a sweet, simple classic.
Doreen
See above; a cozy, nostalgic name.
Dorinda
An elaborate, romantic name meaning a lovely gift. It has an ornate, old-world charm.
Dot
A cheerful short form of Dorothy used on its own. It is simple and endearing.
Dougal
A Scottish-Gaelic name meaning a dark-haired foreigner. It feels hearty and characterful.
Dovie
A tender name evoking the gentle dove. It is soft and old-fashioned.
Doyle
An Irish surname meaning a dark foreigner. It feels strong and distinctive as a first name.
Dreyfus
A surname occasionally used as a given name. It has a distinguished, historic ring.
Drummond
A Scottish surname and clan name meaning a ridge. It feels noble and rugged.
Drusilla
An ancient Roman name with a delicate yet powerful feel. It appears in the Bible and modern fiction.
Due
A rare English word-based name. It feels quirky and minimalist.
Duke
From the noble title, this name exudes confidence and class. It has a smooth, jazzy cool.
Dustin
See above; a warm, dependable name with Norse roots.
Dwight
See above; a sturdy, all-American classic.
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