Danielle is a feminine given name of French origin. It is derived from the male given name Daniel, which means "God is my judge" in Hebrew. The female form of Daniel is Daniela or Danielle.
The name Danielle has been used for centuries, with its earliest recorded use dating back to the Middle Ages in France. However, it did not become popular until the mid-20th century when celebrities such as actress Danielle Steel and singer Danielle Darrieux brought attention to the name.
Today, Danielle is still a well-loved name throughout French-speaking countries and beyond. It is often associated with elegance, sophistication, and a certain je ne sais quoi that is characteristic of French culture. Despite its French origins, however, Danielle has also gained popularity in other parts of the world, including English-speaking countries like the United States.
In terms of usage, Danielle is typically used as a given name but can also serve as a surname or middle name. It is often shortened to Dani or Danny for informal purposes, although these variants are not as commonly used as the full form of the name.
Overall, Danielle is a classic and timeless name with a rich history that spans centuries and continents. Its elegant sound and French origins make it appealing to those who appreciate European culture and tradition, while its meaning gives it depth and significance beyond just its aesthetic qualities.
The name Danielle experienced significant growth in popularity from the late 1950s to the early 1980s, with a peak of 15,670 births in 1984. Since then, its popularity has steadily declined, reaching a low of 617 births in 2023. Overall, Danielle was given to approximately 370,629 baby girls between 1937 and 2023.