Find out how popular the first name Dan has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Dan by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Dan is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 99% of people named Dan being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 100 male babies and 5 female babies born with the name Dan.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 5 baby girls were named Dan in 2023, despite it being a predominantly male name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Dan

The name Dan has its origins in the Hebrew language, specifically derived from the biblical name Daniel, which means "God is my judge" or "God has judged." This name first appeared in the Old Testament of the Bible, where Daniel was a prominent figure, known for his wisdom, faith, and ability to interpret dreams.

The name Dan gained popularity during the Middle Ages and was commonly used among Jewish communities. It later spread to other cultures and languages, including English, where it became a standalone name distinct from its biblical root, Daniel.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Dan can be found in the Book of Genesis, where it refers to one of the twelve tribes of Israel, descendants of Jacob's son, Dan. This tribe played a significant role in the history of ancient Israel and is mentioned throughout the Hebrew Bible.

In Greek mythology, there was a figure named Danaë, whose name shares a similar root to Dan. Danaë was the mother of the legendary hero Perseus, and her name is believed to be derived from the Greek word "danao," meaning "to burn or shine."

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Dan. One of the most famous was Dan Judah Loeb (1624-1677), a renowned Jewish scholar and philosopher from Poland, who made significant contributions to the study of the Talmud and Jewish law.

Another prominent figure was Dan Pratt (1785-1873), an American military officer and politician who served as the second Mayor of Indianapolis and played a crucial role in the early development of the city.

In the realm of literature, Dan Simmons (born 1948) is a celebrated American author known for his works of science fiction, horror, and fantasy, including the acclaimed novels "Hyperion" and "The Terror."

Dan Aykroyd (born 1952) is a Canadian actor, comedian, and screenwriter, best known for his work on the iconic films "The Blues Brothers" and "Ghostbusters," as well as his contributions to the sketch comedy show "Saturday Night Live."

Finally, Dan Marino (born 1961) is a former American football quarterback who played for the Miami Dolphins and is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the National Football League (NFL).

These are just a few examples of the many notable individuals who have borne the name Dan throughout history, showcasing its enduring presence and significance across various cultures and eras.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Dan was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Dan, please contact us.

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