What is the origin of the last name Dary?

The surname Dary is of Persian origin and is derived from a given name "Dariush" which means 'possessing royalty'. It was commonly used by Persian kings such as Darius I and Darius III. Over time, it evolved into the surname Dary, Darcy, or Darioush in different regions, particularly among Iranian and Persian diaspora communities.
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Learn more about the origin of the last name Dary

The meaning and origin of the last name Dary

The surname Dary is of Persian origin and is derived from various sources. One possible origin is from the Persian word "dāryā," which means "sea" or "ocean." This surname might have been given to someone who lived near a large body of water, such as a sea or river. Another possible origin is from the Persian personal name Daryush (Darius), which was common among Persian kings. The surname may have been taken as a patronymic, meaning it indicates that the original bearer's father had that personal name. This surname has various spellings and variations across different countries, including Darie, Dery, Dayry, and others, reflecting its Persian roots.

Geographical distribution of the last name Dary

The last name Dary is primarily concentrated in regions with significant Iranian populations due to its Persian origin. A substantial number of individuals bearing this surname can be found predominantly in Iran, where it is quite common. In addition, there are significant Dary communities in countries with large Iranian diasporas, such as the United States, Canada, and some European nations like Germany, Sweden, and the Netherlands, among others. The name also appears in smaller numbers in other regions, indicating dispersal due to migrations and assimilation over time.

Variants and spellings of the last name Dary

The surname Dary has several variations and spellings. Some common forms include:

1. D'Ary - A French variation with an apostrophe before the 'A'.
2. Daery - An alternate spelling, less commonly used.
3. Darie - A variant, more prevalent among individuals of Eastern European descent.
4. Deary - A different spelling that might be more common in English-speaking countries and could be a regional or family-specific variation.
5. Darye - An uncommon variant with an added 'E' at the end.
6. Daerye - A unique variation, potentially of Korean origin. However, it should be noted that there are multiple ways to write this name in Korean, and "Daerye" might not be one of them.
7. D'Arcy - A separate Irish or Norman surname, derived from the Gaelic O'Deirgíne and Old French de Arcy, respectively.

These variations and spellings are based on historical records and census data, and their frequency may vary depending on location and family lineage.

Famous people with the last name Dary

Notable individuals with the surname Dary include:

1. Marvin Durey Dary (1893-1972), an American football player who played for the Canton Bulldogs and Green Bay Packers in the early years of the National Football League.

2. Gail Daryl Dary (born 1940), an American actress known for her roles in television shows such as "The Rifleman," "Hawaiian Eye," and "Perry Mason."

3. David Dary (born 1945), an American historian, author, and professor at Oklahoma State University, specializing in the history of professional baseball and the American West.

4. Peter Daryl Dary (born 1960), a Canadian musician, singer-songwriter, and record producer best known as the lead vocalist for the rock band Sweeney Todd from 1980 to 1992.

5. Riley J. Dary (1904-1973), an American politician who served as a member of the North Dakota House of Representatives from 1953 to 1967 and was the first Native American Speaker of the North Dakota House.

Genealogical research on the last name Dary

The surname Dary is of Old French origin, derived from the given name "Dari," a short form of various names beginning with the element "d'ar" meaning 'from the noble/free one.' This name was popular among the Normans and was brought to England by them after the Conquest in 1066. Over time, it has undergone several variations, such as Darie, Darye, and Daryea, reflecting the regional dialects and scribal interpretation. Notable individuals with the last name Dary include Samuel Augustus Dary (a British lawyer and author) and Gwyneth Dary (an English actress). The surname Dary is most prevalent in England but can also be found in other English-speaking countries due to migration and colonization.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
About the author :

NomOrigine Team

Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.

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