Daniel

What does the baby name Daniel mean? Learn about what Daniel means, its history & origin, popularity in our random name database, pronunciation, similar names, nicknames & spelling variations.

Daniel - Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity

Spelling of Daniel: D-A-N-I-E-L, is a 6-letter male given name.
Pronunciation of Daniel: DAN yul; DA nee el
Meaning of Daniel: God is my judge, (only) god is my judge, the lord is my judge.
Origin of Daniel: The name 'Daniel' has ancient origins, dating back to biblical times. It is derived from the Hebrew name דָּנִיֵּאל (Daniyyel), meaning 'God is my judge'. The earliest known use of the name can be found in the Old Testament of the Bible, where 'Daniel' was a prophet and advisor to the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar. His story of unwavering faith and wisdom has made the name 'Daniel' synonymous with strength and righteousness.; American Names; Armenian Names; Australian Names; Austrian Names; Biblical Names; Canadian Names; Celebrity Names; Christian Names; Classic Names; Czech Names; Dutch Names; English Names; French Names; German Names; Hebrew Names; Hungarian Names; Jewish Names; New Zealand Names; Polish Names; Scandinavian Names; Spanish Names
Similar Names, Nicknames, & Spelling Variations of Daniel: Dan; Danal; Dane; Daneel; Danelo; Danil; Danila; Dannel; Danny; Danyal; Danyel; Tanel; Taniel
Popularity of Daniel: Over the centuries, the name 'Daniel' has maintained a consistent level of popularity. It has never been out of favor, but there have been notable spikes in usage throughout history. One such spike occurred during the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century, as parents sought to honor the biblical figure and align themselves with the religious movement. Another surge in popularity came in the 1980s and 1990s, perhaps influenced by the success of the novel and subsequent film adaptation of 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco, which featured a character named 'Daniel'.; Daniel currently has 5826 likes, and is the 5th most liked boy's name. The name Shawn is slightly more popular than Daniel.

Etymology of Daniel

The etymology of the name 'Daniel' can be traced back to its Hebrew roots. The Hebrew name Daniyyel is composed of two elements 'dan', meaning 'judge', and 'el', meaning 'God'. This combination reflects the belief that God is the ultimate judge of all things. The name's linguistic roots highlight the importance of justice and righteousness, qualities that have been associated with the name 'Daniel' throughout history.

Cultural Significance of Daniel

The name 'Daniel' holds cultural significance in various contexts. In Jewish tradition, 'Daniel' is revered as a prophet and a symbol of unwavering faith. His story of survival in the lion's den has become a powerful symbol of divine protection. Additionally, the name 'Daniel' has been embraced by Christians, who admire the biblical figure's wisdom and devotion to God. In popular culture, the name has been immortalized through literary works, such as 'Daniel' Defoe's 'Robinson Crusoe', where the protagonist adopts the name 'Daniel' after being stranded on a deserted island.