Danny is a male given name of Irish origin, derived from the Irish surname Ó Donnghaile, which means "descendant of Donnghal." The personal name Donnghal, in turn, likely comes from the Old Irish word donn, meaning "brown-haired," and gal, meaning "stranger" or "foreigner."
The use of Danny as a given name is relatively modern. It emerged in the early to mid-20th century as a pet form of Daniel, which is derived from the Hebrew name Daniyyel, meaning "God is my judge." While Danny was initially used primarily as a nickname for Daniel, it has since evolved into a standalone given name.
Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Danny. One of the most famous is American actor Danny Kaye (1913-1987), known for his comedic roles and impressive impersonation skills. Another notable figure is British musician Danny Baker (born 1957), a former DJ on BBC Radio 5 Live.
Despite its Irish origins, Danny has gained popularity worldwide and is not exclusively used in Ireland. It is considered a unisex name, although it is more commonly associated with males. In the United States, for instance, Danny peaked in popularity during the late 1940s to early 1950s but has since declined.
In terms of its meaning and history, Danny is an interesting name that offers a glimpse into Irish history and culture. Its connection to the Hebrew name Daniel also provides a deeper layer of symbolism and significance. Ultimately, however, the true meaning of a name often lies in the eyes of the beholder and the experiences and memories associated with it by those who bear it.
The statistics provided show the annual number of births given the name Danny in the United States from 1900 to 2023. The data demonstrates a fascinating trend over time.
From 1900 to around 1925, the number of births with the name Danny fluctuated between single digits and low tens. However, starting from 1926, there was a notable increase in the popularity of the name Danny, reaching triple digits for the first time that year with 223 births.
The name's popularity peaked in the post-World War II era, specifically in 1946 when it reached an all-time high of 6650 births. This boom in popularity continued throughout the 1950s and early 1960s, with Danny consistently being one of the most popular names for boys born during this period.
However, starting from around 1963, there was a gradual decline in the number of babies named Danny. By the late 1970s and early 1980s, the name had fallen out of favor significantly, with fewer than 2500 births per year.
In recent years, the popularity of the name Danny has continued to decline, reaching an all-time low in 2022 with only 456 births. Despite this decrease in popularity, it is important to note that over the entire period from 1900 to 2023, a total of 285741 babies were named Danny in the United States.
These statistics provide insight into the changing trends of baby naming in the United States over more than a century. They demonstrate how cultural shifts and personal preferences can influence the popularity of certain names from one decade to another.