The district of Darrang was created in July 1983 converting the erstwhile Sub-Division of Mangaldai. The name Darrang was derived from the Bodo word Dourang, which means 'Lilabhumi' (Playground) of Gods. According to late Dineswar Sarma, the word Darrang came from Dawrang which means gate, as there was direct entry to Bhutan and from there to Nepal and China. Gradually this came to be known as Darrang.