Puerto Rican Girl names beginning with D
- Darleen
Description:
Darleen is a feminine name that originated as a variant of Darlene, which combines the English word 'dear' with the suffix '-lene.' This name gained popularity in the United States during the mid-20th century, particularly in the 1950s and 1960s. Darleen carries a sweet, affectionate connotation, literally meaning 'beloved' or 'dearly loved.' While its usage has declined since its peak, Darleen retains a nostalgic charm that evokes the post-war era. The name has a friendly, approachable quality and is often associated with warmth and kindness. Variations include Darlene, Darline, and Darlina.
- Darlene
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"darling"Description:
A modern(ish) invented name, only in widespread use since the 20th century. It is a combination of the English word darling and the popular midcentury suffix -lene. It was recently used on a character in the BBC comedy-crime drama, Death in Paradise.
- Darlyn
Description:
Darlyn is a feminine name with modern origins, created as a variation of Darleen or Darlene, which themselves derive from the English word 'darling.' This endearing name conveys affection and beloved status. Darlyn emerged primarily in the mid-20th century as parents sought distinctive spins on familiar names. The 'lyn' suffix gives it a melodic quality while maintaining its connection to terms of endearment. While never reaching mainstream popularity, Darlyn has maintained a steady presence, particularly in North America. The name carries a sweet, gentle quality that balances traditional femininity with a touch of uniqueness.
- Dayana
Origin:
Spanish, KazakhMeaning:
"heavenly, faith"Description:
Dayana is an Hispanic variant of Diana, notably belonging to Venezuelan actress, model and producer Dayana Mendoza. It also belongs to a South American orchid whose name derives from the surname of English botanist John Day. Its use can be partly attributed to the popularity of Diana, the Princess of Wales.
- Dayanara
Origin:
Modern invented nameDescription:
Former Miss Universe and former Mrs. Marc Anthony, Dayanara Torres has made a more lasting success of her name.
- Dayanna
Description:
Dayanna is a feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may be a variation of Diana, the Roman goddess of the moon and hunting, or a combination of 'day' with the popular name ending '-anna.' In some Hispanic communities, it's used as a variation of Diana with a unique spelling. The name gained popularity in the United States during the 1990s and early 2000s, particularly among Latin American families. Dayanna carries a bright, positive connotation with its connection to 'day' suggesting light and optimism. Its melodic quality and recognizable but uncommon status make it appealing to parents seeking a name that's distinctive yet accessible.
- Dayna
Description:
Dayna is a feminine name with Slavic origins, derived from the name Dana, ultimately connected to the Hebrew name 'Daniel' meaning 'God is my judge.' It gained modest popularity in the United States during the 1970s and 1980s as parents sought fresh alternatives to the more common Diana or Dana. The name carries a modern, sleek quality while maintaining feminine appeal. Dayna is sometimes spelled Daina or Deyna in different cultural contexts. Though never reaching top-tier popularity, Dayna maintained a steady presence in naming records and is appreciated for its simple yet distinctive sound pattern and easy pronunciation across different languages.
- Dayra
Description:
Dayra is a feminine name with diverse cultural origins. It might be derived from the Arabic name 'Daira' meaning 'circle' or 'halo,' symbolizing completeness and protection. In some Hispanic contexts, it could be a variant of Daira or Deyra. The name has gained modest popularity in Spanish-speaking communities and parts of the United States in recent decades. Dayra carries a contemporary feel with its melodic sound and unique spelling, making it appealing to parents seeking a distinctive yet accessible name for their daughters. While not among the most common names, Dayra has steadily maintained a presence in naming trends, appreciated for its gentle pronunciation and cross-cultural appeal.
- Debbie
Origin:
Short form of Deborah or DebraMeaning:
"bee"Description:
The quintessential friendly fifties name, nearly epidemic in its day. Now many grownup Debbies have reverted to the full and lovely form of their name, which modern parents often avoid because of the name Debbie ringing too loudly in their ears.
- Debora
Description:
Debora is the Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, and Romanian form of Deborah, a name with ancient Hebrew origins meaning 'bee.' In the Old Testament, Debora (Deborah) was a respected prophetess and judge who helped lead the Israelites to victory. The name carries connotations of wisdom, leadership, and industriousness—qualities associated with bees. While the anglicized Deborah peaked in popularity in the United States during the 1950s and 1960s, the Debora variant maintains popularity in Latin countries and among Hispanic communities. This spelling gives the name a slightly softer, more melodic quality than its English counterpart. Debora blends biblical heritage with a touch of Mediterranean or Latin flair, making it appealing to parents seeking a name with historical depth but distinctive international character.
- Deborah
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"bee"Description:
Deborah has suffered from the fact that in the mid-twentieth century there were so many Debbies on the block that the beauty and meaning of the original name got lost. Deborah may no longer be among the most popular girl names starting with D, but now this lovely name of an Old Testament prophetess suddenly sounds fresher than overused Sarah, Rachel, and Rebecca.
- Delaney
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"dark challenger; dark river"Description:
Delaney has been a popular surname-style choice since 90s, when it joined other Irish surnames such as Cassidy, Kennedy, and Mallory on the US Charts. Buoyant, bright, and cheerful, it ranks in the US Top 250 and is given to nearly 1300 babies every year.
- Delia
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"born on the island of Delos"Description:
Delia is a somewhat neglected southern charmer that stands on its own but also might be short for Adelia or Cordelia.
- Delilah
Origin:
Hebrew or ArabicMeaning:
"delicate"Description:
Melodic and lively, Delilah has cut itself (mostly) free from its treacherous past to become a contemporary favorite.
- Denise
Origin:
French, feminine variation of DenisMeaning:
"god of Nysa"Description:
Denise was a French favorite of the fifties and sixties but is less chic now. In 2020 it broke back into the Top 1000 after a five-year hiatus, catapulted into style by reality TV star Denisse Novoa — but it dropped out again the following year.
- Denisse
Origin:
Variation of Denise, French from GreekMeaning:
"god of Nysa"Description:
Denisse was the fastest-rising name for girls of 2020 — influenced by Denisse Novoa, a contestant on the 2019 season of the popular reality TV show Exatlón Estados Unidos. Traditional spelling Denise also made a comeback. It looks to be short-lived, though: both spellings fell again in 2021.
- Desire
Origin:
English word nameDescription:
Believe it or not, this was a fairly common appellation in early New England, interpreted not in the sexual sense, but more in terms of desiring salvation. In modern times, the French name Desiree, pronounced dehz-ih-ray, would be more acceptable.
- Desiree
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"desired, wished"Description:
One of the original French names chosen by midcentury parents for their sophistication and je ne sais quoi, Desiree has since become completely assimilated in the US. It ranked in the Top 1000 from 1954-2017, but has since dropped back out.
- Destiny
Origin:
Word nameDescription:
If Destiny is your daughter's destiny, she probably won't be the only one in her school: until 2009, Destiny was in the Top 50, with three of its alternate spellings in hot pursuit. It has since dipped a bit in popularity but is still widely used. Destiny Hope was the birth name of Miley Cyrus and Destiny Jones is the daughter or rapper Nas.
- Diana
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"divine"Description:
Diana, the tragic British princess, inspired many fashions, but strangely, not one for her name. For us, Diana is a gorgeous and still-underused choice.