What customs and traditions are associated with English baby names?

English naming customs typically involve three elements - a given name, a middle name (s), and a family name. The British follow a patrilineal naming system where the child inherits their fathers family name. However, following the patrilineal naming system is not mandatory. Instead, parents have the freedom to choose their childs last name. Some parents could also give their child the mothers last name. In contrast, others may provide both mother and father surnames in a hyphenated form, reflecting the flexibility in English naming traditions and customs.

How do English baby names reflect a person's heritage?

English naming conventions are diverse, encompassing people from different religions, ethnicities, and cultural backgrounds. Many parents may opt for names that mirror their ethnic and cultural connections. For example, parents of Irish heritage may choose titles like Liam. On the other hand, those of Greek origin might opt for names like Sophia or Alexander. Parents may also pick names that reflect their regional heritage. For example, Devon and Kent are names inspired by specific regions or places within England. Furthermore, many families pass down names from one generation to another or choose monikers inspired by literary and historical figures.

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899 English Baby Names Meaning, Starting With D

Written by Shikha Thakur, MBA Specialty: Relationships and Baby NamesExperience: 7 years

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Edited by Siddharth Kesiraju, MA, Certification in Relationship Coaching Specialty: Love, Marriage and RelationshipsExperience: 7 years

Siddharth holds a certification in Relationship Coaching and a masters degree in communication and journalism from the University of Hyderabad. He has around seven years of experience in various fields of writing and editing.

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Fact-checked by Praggya Joshi, MA, BEd Specialty: Child education & activitiesExperience: 2 years

Praggya Joshi holds a bachelor's degree in Education and a master's in Ancient Indian History from University of Delhi. She has a robust knowledge of literature, society, and ethics. Praggya has been a content writer since 2021, researching and writing on education, health and wellness, and travel.

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Last Updated on Oct 3, 2023

Illustration: MomJunction Design Team

Name	Gender	Meaning
Daniel	Boy	God is my judge
David	Boy	Beloved; Uncle
Dylan	Boy	To tide; To flow
Delilah	Girl	Delicate
Dominic	Boy	Belonging to God
Declan	Boy	Full of goodness
Daisy	Girl	Daisy flower; Day eye
Dean	Boy	Valley; Leader
Dawson	Boy	Son of David; Beloved; Uncle
Daniela	Girl	God is my judge

Daphne	Girl	Laurel; Victory; Achievement
Dallas	Boy	From valley meadows; Valley house
Daxton	Boy	Name of a town in France; Leader
Derek	Boy	The people's ruler
Dahlia	Girl	Flower; Hanging branch
Danna	Girl	God is a judge
Drew	Boy	Manly; Masculine; Virile
Destiny	Girl	Destiny; Fate
Donovan	Boy	Brown-haired chieftain; Dark
Damon	Boy	To tame; Agile

Daniella	Girl	God is my judge
Danielle	Girl	God is my judge
Dax	Boy	Name of a town in France; Leader; Badger
Deacon	Boy	Servant; Messenger
Dominick	Boy	Belonging to God
Dorothy	Girl	Gift of God
Dalton	Boy	Settlement in valley
Dariel	Boy	Open; From Airelle
Danny	Boy	God is my judge
Davis	Boy	Son of David; Beloved; Uncle

Dorian	Boy	Gift; Of Doris; Child of the sea
Drake	Boy	Dragon; Serpent
Davina	Girl	Beloved; Calf; Fox; Little black one
Donald	Boy	One who rules the world
Dayana	Girl	Divine; Goddess-like
Dustin	Boy	Thor's stone
Darius	Boy	Possessing goodness
Duke	Boy	Leader
Dillon	Boy	A loyal or faithful one
Della	Girl	Noble; Delicate

Dani	Girl	God is my judge
Douglas	Boy	Dark river; Dark water
Dominique	Girl	Belonging to the Lord
Dash	Boy	To run or sprint; One from Chiel
Denver	Boy	From Anvers; Green valley; Dane Ford
Dane	Boy	The one from Denmark; Valley dweller
Dilan	Boy	Heart; Compassionate; Tide; Flow
Deandre	Boy	Manly; Masculine
Dangelo	Boy	Divine messenger
Davion	Boy	Beloved; Uncle

Deborah	Girl	Bee
Davian	Boy	Beloved; Uncle
Decker	Boy	One who works as a roofer; Covering
Dixie	Girl	Tenth; Ten
Dion	Boy	Sky; Shine; Greek God of wine
Danica	Girl	Morning star; Venus
Davin	Boy	Calf; Fawn; Ox; Deer; Little black one
Dana	Girl	God is my judge; God given; Wise; Pearl; Brave; Wise; Arbiter; Valley of meadow
Devyn	Unisex	Divine; Poet
Deon	Boy	Of Zeus; God of Nysa; Alternate name of the Greek God Dionysius

Dalilah	Girl	Languish; Weak
Dwayne	Boy	Dark; Black; Little dark one
Darla	Girl	Darling; Dearly beloved
Deklan	Boy	Man of prayer; Full of goodness
Darcy	Girl	Dark-haired; One from the town of Arcy
Daylen	Boy	Toward the tide or flow
Denisse	Girl	The alternate name of the Greek God Dionysius; Of Zeus
Deshawn	Boy	Modern invented name
Daryl	Boy	From Airelle; Darling
Darrell	Boy	One who is from Airelle

Damion	Boy	One who tames
Deion	Boy	Of Zeus; God
Delanie	Girl	Black; Challenge; From the Alder grove
Donte	Boy	Enduring; Hard
Dashiell	Boy	Lad; Heaven; Sky
Don	Boy	Dark Brown; Chief; Noble; Ruler of the world
Darnell	Boy	Hidden nook; A type of grass
Davi	Boy	Beloved; Uncle
Danae	Girl	Mother of Perseus
Daxon	Boy	Leader; Son of Dick; Name of a place in France

Danika	Girl	Morning star; Venus
Dutton	Boy	Hill settlement
Donna	Girl	Lady; Woman
Domenic	Boy	Belonging to God
Duane	Boy	Dark; Swarthy; Little dark one
Diesel	Boy	People; Gift of God
Darlene	Girl	Darling; Dear
Deanna	Girl	Valley; Chief; Goddess-like
Dashawn	Boy	Yahweh is gracious
Dan	Boy	God is my judge; A Dane; Valley

Devante	Boy	Fighter of wrong
Daria	Girl	To possess; One who keeps things well
Dottie	Girl	God's gift
Dempsey	Boy	Proud; Haughty
Dwight	Boy	Tree of Zeus
Dianna	Girl	Divine; Like a goddess; Roman goddess of the moon
Danelly	Unisex	God is my judge
Dandre	Boy	A strong man; Manly; Masculine
Deonte	Boy	Greek God Dionysios; Of Zeus; Lasting
Drayden	Boy	Farmstead near a portage or slope used for dragging downloads

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Infographic: Top English Baby Names Meaning, Starting With D

Our infographic below features options from timeless classics to contemporary favorites that complement your child's personality. Scroll through the list to find the perfect name that reflects your preferences and your family's shared values.

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Look Up For Many More Names

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