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

Popularity of Daniel by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Daniel is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 100% of people named Daniel being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 8,356 male babies and 18 female babies born with the name Daniel.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 18 baby girls were named Daniel in 2023, despite it being a predominantly male name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Daniel

The name Daniel has its origins in the Hebrew language and culture, dating back to ancient times. It is derived from the Hebrew name "Daniyyel," which means "God is my judge" or "God has judged." The name is first mentioned in the Old Testament of the Bible, in the Book of Daniel, which tells the story of a young Jewish man named Daniel who was taken captive to Babylon in the 6th century BC.

Daniel is a prominent figure in the Bible, known for his faith and wisdom. The Book of Daniel recounts his ability to interpret dreams and visions, as well as his survival in the lions' den after refusing to worship the Babylonian king. The name Daniel became popular among Jews and later among Christians, who revered the biblical figure.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Daniel dates back to the 3rd century BC, when it was found on an inscription from ancient Israel. In the New Testament, the name is mentioned as belonging to one of the sons of David, the celebrated king of ancient Israel.

Throughout history, there have been many notable individuals named Daniel. Some of the most famous include:

1. Daniel, the biblical prophet from the 6th century BC, as mentioned earlier.
2. Daniel Defoe (1660-1731), the English writer best known for his novel "Robinson Crusoe."
3. Daniel Boone (1734-1820), the American pioneer and explorer who blazed trails through the wilderness of Kentucky and Missouri.
4. Daniel Webster (1782-1852), the renowned American statesman, lawyer, and orator who served as a U.S. Senator and Secretary of State.
5. Daniel Day-Lewis (born 1957), the British actor widely regarded as one of the greatest of his generation, known for his roles in films such as "There Will Be Blood" and "Lincoln."

The name Daniel has endured across cultures and religions, remaining a popular choice for parents throughout the centuries. Its biblical origins and association with the virtues of faith, wisdom, and perseverance have contributed to its longevity and appeal.

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 Daniel was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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