Daniel is a name of Hebrew origin, derived from the Bible. It means "God is my judge." According to the story in the Book of Daniel, this name was given to the prophet Daniel by his parents, who believed that God would judge their son's actions and make him righteous. The name has been popular throughout history and across different cultures. In addition to its biblical origins, Daniel has also been associated with figures like the French Renaissance writer François Rabelais and the English poet John Milton. Today, it remains a popular choice for parents seeking a classic yet distinctive name for their children.
The name Daniel has a rich history of usage in the United States, with its popularity fluctuating over time. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the name's popularity was relatively low, with fewer than ten births per year between 1880 and 1913.
However, starting from 1914, there was a significant increase in the number of babies named Daniel. That year saw 15 births, which more than doubled to 18 in 1915 and then tripled to 27 in 1916. This upward trend continued throughout the 1920s and 1930s, with the number of annual births peaking at 52 in 1940.
The post-World War II era brought a further boost in popularity for the name Daniel. Between 1946 and 1952, the number of annual births ranged from 75 to 203, with a peak of 210 in 1957. This trend continued through the 1960s and 1970s, although there were some fluctuations in popularity.
In recent decades, the name Daniel has maintained moderate popularity in the United States. Between 1980 and 2023, the number of annual births ranged from a low of 14 (in 2019) to a high of 61 (in 2003). Overall, there have been a total of 9,371 births in the United States with the name Daniel since records began.
This data demonstrates that while the popularity of the name Daniel has varied over time, it has consistently been a popular choice for parents in the United States. The name's enduring appeal is a testament to its timelessness and versatility.