Daniel
Daniel first appears in US records in 1880. It peaked in 1985, when 38,559 boys were given the name; in 2025 there were 8,085.
Source: US Social Security Administration.
Is Daniel popular?
Declining Daniel is given less often than it was a decade ago, well below its 1985 peak.
| 2020s | 52,726 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 133,952 | |
| 2000s | 203,975 | |
| 1990s | 272,360 | |
| 1980s | 345,537 | |
| 1970s | 244,454 | |
| 1960s | 242,020 | |
| 1950s | 243,727 | |
| 1940s | 112,778 | |
| 1930s | 47,998 | |
| 1920s | 43,407 | |
| 1910s | 23,978 | |
| 1900s | 5,036 | |
| 1890s | 5,185 | |
| 1880s | 5,679 |
Counts from US Social Security Administration data, 1880–2025.
What does Daniel mean?
Daniel is Hebrew for “God is my judge.” In the Bible, the prophet Daniel famously survived a night in the lions’ den.
Nicknames for Daniel
- Dan
- Danny
Variants & spellings
- Daniël
- Daniele
- Danilo
Names like Daniel
Hebrew names with a similar feel and popularity.
Names that pair well with Daniel
Popular Hebrew names for a sibling or a middle name.
Compare Daniel
Explore related names
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Daniel mean?
Daniel means God is my judge. Daniel is Hebrew for “God is my judge.” In the Bible, the prophet Daniel famously survived a night in the lions’ den.
What is the origin of the name Daniel?
Daniel is of Hebrew origin.
How do you pronounce Daniel?
Daniel is pronounced “DAN-yul.”
Is Daniel a boy or a girl name?
Daniel is most commonly used as a boy name.
Is Daniel a popular name right now?
Daniel is given less often than it was a decade ago, well below its 1985 peak.
How popular is the name Daniel?
In 2025, Daniel ranked #22 among boys’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.
When was the name Daniel most popular?
Daniel was most popular in 1985, when about 38,559 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.
What are common nicknames for Daniel?
Common nicknames for Daniel include Dan, Danny.
What names are similar to Daniel?
Names similar to Daniel include Samuel, Gabriel, Nathan, Isaiah.
What names go well with Daniel?
Hebrew names that pair well with Daniel include James, Michael, John, David, Mary.