Daniel is a name of Hebrew origin that means "God is my judge." It comes from the Hebrew elements "dani" meaning "judge" and "el" meaning "God." The name Daniel appears in the Bible as one of the four major prophets, known for his faithfulness to God despite being thrown into a den of lions.
The name Daniel has been popular throughout history. In ancient times, it was used by various figures such as Daniel the Prophet, who lived around 600 BCE and whose story is recorded in the Book of Daniel in the Old Testament. The name also gained popularity during the Middle Ages due to its use among royalty, with several kings and nobles bearing the name.
Over time, variations of the name Daniel have emerged, including Danielle for females and diminutives like Danny or Dani. Today, Daniel remains a popular choice for boys' names around the world. It is often associated with intelligence, strength, and courage, reflecting the qualities exhibited by its biblical namesake.
Daniel is a unique and uncommon name, with only five births recorded annually in the United States as of 1973. This low incidence makes Daniel stand out among other names that are more commonly used today. Despite its rarity, this name has been consistently used over time, demonstrating its enduring popularity among those who choose it for their children.