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 has seen a fascinating journey in terms of popularity over the years in the United States. From the late 1930s to the mid-1940s, the birth rate remained relatively low, with fewer than 100 births per year. However, starting from the late 1940s, there was a significant increase in popularity, with over 200 births annually by the early 1950s.
The real surge in popularity came during the mid-1960s to the early 1980s. In just two decades, Danielle went from being a name given to fewer than 700 babies per year to one given to over 15,000 babies annually in 1984 and 1985. This period marked Danielle as one of the most popular girls' names during this time.
However, similar to many other baby names, Danielle's popularity began to decline in the late 1980s. By the mid-1990s, fewer than 13,000 babies were named Danielle each year. This downward trend continued into the new millennium, with under 700 births annually as of 2022.
Despite this decrease in popularity, it is essential to note that Danielle has been given to over 370,000 baby girls in the United States since 1937. This figure serves as a testament to the enduring appeal and recognition of the name Danielle throughout several generations. While its peak popularity may have passed, Danielle remains a well-known and respected name in the U.S.