Danae is a beautiful and unique given name of Greek origin. It is derived from the word "danas," which means "through" or "by way of." In Greek mythology, Danae was a princess who gave birth to Perseus, one of the most famous heroes in Greek legend. According to the myth, Danae was locked away by her father, King Acrisius, because an oracle had prophesied that she would bear a son who would kill him. However, Zeus visited Danae in the form of a golden shower and impregnated her with Perseus. When Danae and her baby were discovered by King Acrisius, they were both locked away in a chest and set adrift at sea. Eventually, they washed ashore on the island of Seriphos, where they were taken in by a kind fisherman named Dictys.
While Danae is not a particularly common name today, it has been used throughout history and can be found among various cultures and languages. For example, there was a 7th-century Byzantine empress named Danae who was the wife of Emperor Constantine IV. Additionally, Danae has been used as a given name in several other countries, including France, Italy, and Poland.
Overall, Danae is a striking and distinctive name with a rich historical and mythological background. Its unique origin and fascinating story make it an appealing choice for parents looking for a uncommon yet meaningful name for their daughter.
The name Danae has been given to a total of 7195 babies in the United States from 1947 to 2023. The popularity of this name has varied over time, with peaks and valleys occurring at different periods.
In the early years of record-keeping, from 1947 to 1958, Danae was a relatively uncommon name, with fewer than 10 births each year. However, starting in 1959, there was a noticeable increase in its popularity, with 21 births recorded that year.
The years between 1966 and 1974 saw the highest number of Danae births, with a peak of 55 births occurring in 1975. This trend continued until 1980, after which there was another significant increase in popularity.
From 1981 to 2023, the name Danae has been consistently popular, with at least 58 births each year. The highest number of births during this period occurred in 2021, with a total of 122 babies named Danae.
Overall, while Danae may not be one of the most common names given to babies in the United States, it has nevertheless been a popular choice for parents throughout several decades, with thousands of girls sharing this name across generations.