Daniel: Name Guide
Quick Summary: Daniel is a male name of Hebrew origin, meaning "God is my judge". It has maintained exceptional popularity for centuries due to its biblical significance and dignified yet approachable character.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Origin | Hebrew |
| Meaning | God is my judge |
| Gender | Male |
| Pronunciation | DAN-yəl |
Etymology of Daniel
Daniel derives from Hebrew דָּנִיֵּאל (Daniyyel), composed of two elements: "dan" (to judge) and "el" (God), traditionally interpreted as meaning "God is my judge" or "God has judged".
The name appears in ancient Hebrew texts and entered European languages through biblical transmission. The Greek Septuagint rendered it as Δανιήλ (Daniēl), which passed into Latin as Daniel, maintaining remarkable consistency across linguistic boundaries.
Unlike many biblical names that underwent significant phonetic shifts, Daniel preserved its original pronunciation through centuries of use across Christian, Jewish, and Muslim cultures, reflecting its deep religious significance.
History of Daniel
Origins and Early Use
Daniel first appears in the Hebrew Bible as a 6th-century BCE Jewish prophet who interpreted dreams in the Babylonian court. The Book of Daniel established the name's association with wisdom, faith under persecution, and divine favor, making it immediately significant in Judeo-Christian tradition.
Early Christian communities adopted the name widely, and it spread throughout medieval Europe alongside biblical literacy. Jewish communities maintained continuous use, while Christian usage intensified during periods of religious revival.
Rise to Popularity
| Era | Event | Impact on Name |
|---|---|---|
| Medieval Period | Veneration of Daniel as prophet | Established as classic Christian name |
| 16th-17th Century | Protestant Reformation | Surge among Puritan communities emphasizing biblical names |
| 1970s-1990s | Cultural shift toward traditional names | Rose to top 10 in US, peak #5 in 1985 |
The name experienced a remarkable late-20th century renaissance. While many biblical names declined in secular societies, Daniel's dignified sound and cross-cultural familiarity allowed it to transcend purely religious contexts, becoming a mainstream choice valued for both tradition and modern appeal.
Modern Usage
Daniel has remained consistently popular in the 21st century, ranking #16 in the US as of 2024. It enjoys strong usage across English, Spanish, French, German, and Portuguese-speaking regions, making it one of the few truly international names.
The name's stability reflects its versatility—it projects professionalism without formality, tradition without obsolescence. Parents choosing Daniel in recent decades often cite its timeless quality and cross-generational recognition.
Key insight: This name rose because it balanced religious heritage with secular appeal, and has stabilized at high rankings as parents seek names that are recognizable yet substantial.
Why people choose this name: People tend to choose Daniel when they want to convey reliability, dignity, and cross-cultural accessibility, especially in contexts involving professional credibility, family tradition, and interfaith or international environments.
Variants of Daniel
| Language | Form | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| English | Daniel | Standard form |
| Spanish | Daniel | Identical spelling, stress on second syllable |
| French | Daniel | Pronounced dahn-YEHL |
| German | Daniel | Pronounced DAH-nee-el |
| Italian | Daniele | Pronounced dah-NYEH-leh |
| Portuguese | Daniel | Pronounced dah-nee-EHL |
| Russian | Daniil (Даниил) | Slavic adaptation |
| Arabic | Danyal (دانيال) | Islamic variant |
| Hebrew | Daniyyel (דָּנִיֵּאל) | Original form |
| Irish | Dónall | Historically associated, though etymologically distinct |
For digital IDs, shorter forms tend to be more practical than full international variants. Consider length, spelling clarity, and memorability.
Nicknames
Dan, Danny, Dani
Similar Names
- Nathaniel - Shares Hebrew "el" (God) element and biblical origin
- Samuel - Biblical prophet name with similar gravitas
- Gabriel - Another angelic/biblical name with "el" ending
Daniel Popularity
US Rankings (SSA Data)
| Decade | Rank | Births |
|---|---|---|
| 1900s | #44 | 598 |
| 1920s | #52 | 3,897 |
| 1940s | #34 | 6,225 |
| 1960s | #17 | 25,938 |
| 1980s | #11 | 29,895 |
| 2000s | #9 | 22,337 |
| 2020s | #14 | 9,521 |
| 2024s | #16 | 8,391 |
Peak: 1985, ranked #5 (38,564 births)
Current (2024): #16 (8,391 births)
Trend analysis: Daniel's peak in the 1980s coincided with a broader cultural return to traditional names, particularly biblical ones that felt both classic and contemporary. The name has gradually declined from its peak but remains in the top 20, reflecting sustained preference for established names with cross-cultural currency.
Note: Popularity rankings reflect birth records and do not necessarily indicate current digital usage or username availability.
Daniel as a Username
Availability
"daniel" as a username is almost universally taken on major platforms due to its enduring popularity over multiple generations. Early internet adopters, Gen X users, Millennials, and Gen Z alike have claimed this handle, making basic variations essential.
Variations for IDs
| Style | Example | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | daniel | Professional (rarely available) |
| With numbers | daniel99, daniel2k | Gaming, general use |
| Abbreviated | dan, danny | Social media, informal platforms |
| Stylized | xdaniel, danielx, dxniel | Creative, preserves core sound |
| Surname-style | danieldavies, daniel_m | Professional, LinkedIn |
| Compound | dantheplan, danielcodes | Personal branding |
Digital Impression
Daniel as an ID tends to project:
- Reliability - because the name's long history and widespread use suggest stability and trustworthiness
- Approachability - because it lacks pretension while maintaining dignity, making it suitable for both professional and casual contexts
- Cross-cultural familiarity - because Daniel is recognizable across languages and regions, avoiding confusion
Best for: Professional profiles, creative portfolios, gaming (with variation), business communications
Avoid if: you prefer highly unique or abstract usernames, or want to avoid the necessity of numeric/character additions for availability.
Is Daniel good for a username?
Daniel works well as a username if you value recognition, professionalism, and cross-cultural accessibility. However, due to its high popularity across multiple generations, securing "daniel" without variations is nearly impossible on established platforms. Expect to use creative combinations like "daniel_" + specialty, numbers, or stylization to achieve availability while preserving the name's core identity.
FAQ
What does Daniel mean?
Daniel means "God is my judge" from Hebrew, composed of "dan" (to judge) and "el" (God).
Is Daniel popular?
According to SSA data, Daniel ranks #16 in the US (2024). It is gradually declining from its 1980s peak but remains consistently popular, never falling below top 20 in recent decades.
What are nicknames for Daniel?
Common nicknames: Dan, Danny, Dani (increasingly unisex).
Is Daniel a boy's or girl's name?
Daniel is traditionally and overwhelmingly male. While feminine forms like Danielle exist, Daniel itself remains masculine in usage across cultures.
How do you pronounce Daniel?
Daniel is pronounced DAN-yəl in English (emphasis on first syllable). Spanish speakers stress the second syllable (dahn-YEHL), while French pronunciation is dahn-YEHL with nasal vowels.
Is Daniel good for a username?
Daniel works well as a username if you value professionalism and recognition, though availability requires creative variation due to the name's widespread use across generations.
Related Names
- Nathaniel - Shares Hebrew "el" (God) element and biblical prophetic tradition
- Samuel - Fellow biblical prophet name with similar gravitas and timeless appeal
- Dan - Shorter form, often preferred for digital IDs due to availability and brevity
Sources: SSA Baby Names (ssa.gov), Oxford Dictionary of First Names, Behind the Name Last updated: February 2026