Darko: Name Meaning, Origin, and Popularity

Pronunciation: DAHR-koh
Origin: Serbia
gender-male

Emmy Samtani

Emmy Samtani

Emmy is the founder of Kiindred and mother to 3 little ones. Over the last 4 years, she has worked with some of the most credible experts in the parenting space and is a keen contributor on all things parenthood.
Updated on Jul 01, 2025 · 1 min read
Region Origin: Slavic, African
Meaning: The name Darko means "gift."

Darko is a masculine name with origins rooted in Slavic languages, predominantly used in countries such as Serbia, Slovenia, and Croatia. It is derived from the Slavic word "dar," meaning "gift," often interpreted as "gifted" or "gift of God." This name has gained some recognition due to its association with popular culture and media. Notably, Darko has been immortalized in the realm of cinema through the cult classic film "Donnie Darko," which may have contributed to its international awareness. While not widely adopted as a first name in English-speaking countries, its unique sound and cultural significance have allowed it to maintain a distinct presence within Slavic communities and among those with an appreciation for names with rich linguistic and cultural histories.

Darko Name Popularity Data

chat-overall Darko is currently #29186 in the popularity of the name rankings.
gender-female Boy: Darko is currently #12534 on Kiindred Boy Names

Popularity Trend Chart

Source: Social Security Administration

Baby Names A-Z

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