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Name meaning & originDaniel דָּנִיֵּאל

/DAN-yuhl/

Hebrew
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Daniel is a Hebrew baby name pronounced /DAN-yuhl/. The name Daniel translates to 'God is my judge' in its original Hebrew context.

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Meaning of Daniel

The name Daniel translates to 'God is my judge' in its original Hebrew context.

It is derived from the Hebrew name Daniyyel, composed of the elements 'dan' (judge) and 'el' (God). The name rose to prominence through the biblical Book of Daniel, which tells the story of the Jewish prophet who survived the lions' den. Its popularity spread through the Christian world in the Middle Ages and has remained a consistent staple in many Western cultures for centuries.

Origin
Hebrew
Pronunciation
/DAN-yuhl/

Cultural background

Daniel is one of the most enduringly popular names globally, frequently appearing in the top name charts across Europe, North America, and South America.

Variations & nicknames

  • Dan
  • Danny
  • Danilo
  • Daan
  • Daniël
  • Daniele

Famous people named Daniel

Well-known namesakes — celebrities, historical figures and characters.

  • Daniel Day-Lewis

    Acclaimed actor and three-time Academy Award winner.

    Film · Modern

  • Daniel Radcliffe

    British actor best known for playing Harry Potter.

    Film · Modern

  • Daniel Defoe

    Writer and journalist who wrote 'Robinson Crusoe'.

    Literature · 18th Century

  • Daniel Boone

    American pioneer, explorer, and frontiersman.

    History · 18th Century

  • Daniel Ricciardo

    Formula One racing driver from Australia.

    Sport · Modern

  • Daniel Craig

    English actor best known for portraying James Bond.

    Film · Modern

Frequently asked about Daniel

Is Daniel a biblical name?
Yes, it is a prominent Old Testament name belonging to the prophet Daniel.
What is the female version of Daniel?
Common feminine forms include Danielle, Daniela, and Dani.
How common is the name Daniel?
Daniel is a classic name that has consistently remained a top choice for boys in English-speaking countries for decades.

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