Daniels is of Hebrew origin and means "God is my judge." It was popular among early Christians due to its biblical associations, but it has since evolved into a more secular first name. Daniels is typically considered a masculine name, although there are some variations that can be used for females, such as Daniele or Daniela.
The name Daniels gained significant popularity in the mid-20th century and continues to be widely used today. It is often associated with characters from popular culture, such as the fictional detective Hercule Poirot's assistant Captain Arthur Hastings, whose full name is Arthur Daniel Hastings. Additionally, the name can be found among notable historical figures like American politician Stephen A. Douglas (whose middle name was Daniels) and British explorer Henry Hudson.
Daniels can also be spelled with one 'l' or two 'ls'. The single 'l' spelling is more common in the United States, while the double 'ls' version is more prevalent in other English-speaking countries like Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Both spellings are accepted and used interchangeably.
In terms of popularity, Daniels has consistently ranked among the top 1000 names for boys in the United States since the 1950s. According to data from the Social Security Administration, Daniels reached its peak popularity during the late 20th century, with over 700 babies named Daniels born each year between 1986 and 1996. Although its popularity has slightly declined in recent years, it remains a common choice for parents looking to name their sons.
Overall, Daniels is a classic yet modern first name that carries strong biblical roots while also being associated with notable historical figures and popular culture. Its versatile spelling options and enduring popularity make it an appealing choice for parents seeking a timeless and meaningful name for their child.
The name Daniels experienced fluctuations in popularity over the years, with peaks in 1945 and 1985 at 7 births each, and consistently around 5 births from 1956 to 2018. Overall, there were 39 babies named Daniels born during these years.