Derian is a modern variant of Darian and Darien, names that most likely come from Darius, the Persian royal name usually read as "possessing goodness" or holding firm the good; the e-spelling draws it closer to Derek and Darren. It has stayed a rare name throughout. Derian ranked number 1555 in 2000, its best position, dropped below number 4000 in the 2010s and has recovered to number 2577 in 2025.