Darius Family History

German, Romanian, French, and West Indian (mainly Haiti) derive from the Late Latin personal name Darius, which itself comes from the Greek Dareios. This name was borne by various kings of ancient Persia, including the notable Darius I (522–486 BC).

The ancient Persian form of the name was Darayavahush, which translates to ‘possessor’. It is composed of daraya(miy) meaning ‘possess, maintain’ and vahu meaning ‘good, well’.

Over time, this name became accepted as a Christian name in medieval Europe.

This shift in usage was largely in honor of a saint who was martyred at Nicaea, although the exact date of this event remains uncertain.