Dairis

Dairis is a masculine given name used primarily in Latvia. It is generally regarded as the Latvian form of the name Darius, though it is treated as a distinct name within Latvian naming practice. The root Darius traces back to Old Persian Dārayavahush, a royal name that has been interpreted as meaning “he who holds firm goodness” or “upholder of good fortune.” Through classical and biblical influences, the name appeared in various European languages, with Dairis representing a local adaptation in Latvian phonology and orthography.

In Latvian, Dairis is pronounced with the stress on the first syllable; the vowels follow standard Latvian pronunciation rules, and the final -is marks masculine typically. The name is part of a broader pattern of Latvian male names formed with -is endings.

Usage and demographics: Dairis is comparatively uncommon, most often encountered within Latvian-speaking contexts and among Latvian communities abroad. It is used for boys born in the late 20th and early 21st centuries and reflects Latvia’s broader naming practices that adapt traditional names into Latvian forms.

See also: Darius, for the broader historical and linguistic background of the name.

References: Onomastic references and Latvian name databases provide etymological notes consistent with the above.