Boys · #22 in 2025
Daniel: Meaning, Origin & Popularity
- Origin
- Hebrew
- Meaning
- God is my judge
- Pronunciation
- DAN-yul
- Nickname options
- Dan, Danny
Origin and meaning
Daniel comes from a Hebrew name meaning God is my judge. It is the name of the biblical figure associated with the Book of Daniel. Different languages preserve related forms with their own pronunciation patterns.
U.S. popularity
Daniel ranked #22 for boys in the United States in 2025, with 8,085 boys given this spelling. Its highest recorded U.S. rank was #5, reached in 1985, 1990, 2007–2008. Historical coverage: 1880–2025. Peak refers to rank, not the largest number of births.
Source: Social Security Administration; historical peaks calculated from its national name files. Rankings count each spelling separately within the listed sex.
The Hello Baby Names take
Daniel feels gentle and solid at the same time. The clear opening gives it structure, while Danny offers an affectionate everyday version. It is a good choice for parents who want a classic that can be formal without sounding grand.
Things to consider
Daniel may be pronounced with two or three syllables depending on language and accent. Try the version your family will use with the surname.
If you love Daniel, consider…
- Samuel: Shares the warm biblical-classic feeling.
- Benjamin: Adds length and several friendly short forms.
- David: Keeps the opening in a more compact shape.
- Matthew: Offers similar familiarity and substance.
- Nathan: Brings a simpler two-syllable alternative.
- Joseph: Adds a steadier, rounded sound.
- Gabriel: Offers a more melodic full name.
- Andrew: Keeps the approachable traditional style.