Danny is a diminutive form of the name Daniel, which has Hebrew origins. The name Daniel means "God is my judge" in Hebrew, derived from the words "dīn" meaning "to judge" and "el" meaning "God." It is believed to have originated during the biblical period in ancient Israel.

The name Daniel gained prominence due to its appearance in the Old Testament's Book of Daniel, where Daniel was a Hebrew prophet who lived during the Babylonian captivity. This biblical figure's fame contributed significantly to the widespread use of the name across various cultures and religions.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Danny can be traced back to the 12th century, when it appeared as a diminutive form of Daniel in English records. Over time, it gained popularity as a standalone name, particularly in English-speaking countries.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Danny. One of the most famous was Danny Kaye (1913-1987), an American actor, singer, and comedian who gained widespread acclaim for his performances in films and on stage.

Another notable figure was Danny Thomas (1912-1991), an American comedian, actor, and producer, best known for his television sitcom "Make Room for Daddy" and for founding the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

In the world of sports, Danny Ainge (born 1959) is a former American basketball player and coach, who won two NBA championships with the Boston Celtics and later served as the team's president of basketball operations.

Danny Glover (born 1946) is an American actor and activist, renowned for his roles in films such as the "Lethal Weapon" series, "The Color Purple," and "Dreamgirls."

In the literary world, Danny Dunn was the protagonist of a series of children's books written by Raymond Abrashkin and Jay Williams, which were popular in the mid-20th century.