Daniel
Daniel is a boy name of Hebrew origin meaning “God is my judge”, pronounced DAN-yul. It ranked #22 in the United States in 2025, given to 8,085 babies, and peaked at #5 in 1985. Common nicknames: Dan, Danny, Dani.
How popular is Daniel in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Daniel mean, and where does it come from?
Daniel comes from the Hebrew name Daniyyel, composed of the elements "din" (to judge) and "el" (God), meaning "God is my judge." The name is most famously associated with the biblical prophet Daniel, who was cast into the lions' den by King Darius of Babylon and emerged unharmed. The Book of Daniel, found in both the Hebrew Bible and the Christian Old Testament, cemented the name's enduring popularity across many cultures. Daniel has been consistently popular in English-speaking countries since the Middle Ages and has remained in the top 20 baby names in the United States for decades. Its universal appeal is reflected in the many linguistic variants found worldwide, from the Spanish and Portuguese Daniel to the Arabic Danyal.
How is Daniel used around the world?
Daniel is used in 10 languages worldwide, with 24+ international variants.
Female FormDaniela
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Daniel?
Famous People Named Daniel
- Daniel Craig — British actor known for playing James Bond
- Daniel Radcliffe — English actor who portrayed Harry Potter
- Daniel Kahneman — Nobel Prize-winning psychologist and economist
Similar Names to Daniel
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Sibling Name Ideas for Daniel
Looking for names that pair well with Daniel? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Daniel mean?
Daniel is a boy name of Hebrew origin meaning "God is my judge." Daniel comes from the Hebrew name Daniyyel, composed of the elements "din" (to judge) and "el" (God), meaning "God is my judge." The name is most famously associated with the biblical prophet Daniel, who was cast into the lions' den by King Darius of Babylon and emerged unharmed.
How do you pronounce Daniel?
Daniel is pronounced DAN-yul. Common variations include Danial, Daniil, Daniele.
Is Daniel a boy name?
Yes, Daniel is traditionally a boy name. Popular nicknames include Dan, Danny, Dani.