Darius

Darius is a male given name of Persian origin. It derives from Old Persian Dārayavahush, formed from elements often interpreted as “to possess” or “hold” and “good” or “well,” yielding a meaning such as “upholder of good.” The name has been used across cultures and languages, with variants including Daryush in Iranian languages and Dariusz in Polish.

The name is best known from the Achaemenid Empire. Darius I the Great (c. 550–486 BCE) expanded the empire, reformed administration by creating a system of satrapies, oversaw monumental works at Persepolis, and established the Royal Road along with standardized coinage. His confrontations with Greece culminated in the early Persian Wars; he died before the decisive battles that followed. Darius II Nothus (r. 423–404 BCE) presided over a period marked by internal strife and shifting alliances. Darius III Codomannus (r. 336–330 BCE) was the last Achaemenid king, defeated by Alexander the Great at Gaugamela, and his death marked the fall of the empire.

In modern times, Darius remains a common given name in Persian-speaking and other communities and appears in various cultural contexts. Notable individuals include Darius Rucker, an American musician, and Darius Danesh, a Scottish-Iranian singer and actor. In fiction, Darius is also a character name used in works such as the League of Legends video game, where the character is known as the Hand of Noxus.