Daniel

The name Daniel is a perennially popular male given name with deep historical and religious roots.

Origin

Daniel is of Hebrew origin, derived from the name דָּנִיֵּאל (Daniyyel). It is a compound name formed from two Hebrew elements: 'Dan' (דָּן), meaning 'judge' or 'to judge', and 'El' (אֵל), which is a common Semitic word for 'God'.

Meaning

The literal meaning of Daniel is 'God is my judge' or 'Judged by God'. This reflects a common practice in ancient Hebrew culture of incorporating a divine element into personal names to express a relationship with or attribute of God.

Biblical Significance

The name Daniel holds significant prominence in Abrahamic religions, primarily due to the Book of Daniel in the Hebrew Bible (Tanakh) and the Christian Old Testament. The biblical Daniel was a prophet known for his wisdom, righteousness, and unwavering faith, famously surviving the lions' den. This narrative has contributed significantly to the name's enduring appeal.

Popularity and Variations

Daniel has been a consistently popular name in many cultures and languages for centuries. Common variations and diminutives include Danny, Dan, Dani, Danielle (feminine), and Danilo. Its widespread use across different countries testifies to its broad appeal and the respect for its historical and religious connotations.