Daniel

Origin

Hebrew, from the biblical name דָּנִיֵּאל (Daniyyel), meaning 'God is my judge'. The name appears in the Old Testament as the prophet Daniel, known for his wisdom and faithfulness. While of Hebrew origin, the name has been adopted widely in Christian communities across Australia, often associated with the biblical Daniel's qualities. It is also a common name among Māori communities as a borrowed name, though not originally Māori.

Meaning

'God is my judge' — a declaration of faith and divine authority, carrying connotations of justice and moral integrity in Australian English contexts. The name is popular among Christian families and communities seeking historical or biblical significance.

Pronunciation

/ˈdæniəl/ (Australian English pronunciation, stress on first syllable, 'DAN-yell') [dæˈniːəl] in IPA, with a long 'ee' sound in the last syllable, often rendered as 'danny-ell' colloquially.

Variants & Nicknames

Name Days

• 21 July (Feast of Saint Daniel in the Catholic Calendar)
• 17 July (Orthodox celebration of Prophet Daniel)
• 25 December (Māori Christmas celebration as part of general festivities)

Name Pairings

Names that pair well with daniel:

• Elizabeth and Daniel
• Charlotte and Daniel
• Amelia and Daniel

Fun Facts

• The name Daniel has consistently ranked within the top 50 male names in Australia over the past decade.
• Famous Australians named Daniel include actor Daniel Radcliffe, despite his international fame, the surname Radcliffe is popular in Australia.
• The name is also associated with the biblical story of Daniel in the lions' den, symbolising courage and faith.

Personality Traits

Common traits associated with the name daniel:

• Courageous
• Intelligent
• Wise in decision-making
• Faithful

Aesthetic Qualities

Classic and balanced, the name Daniel carries strong visual symmetry in its spelling and typographic simplicity, fitting well in both formal and casual contexts.

Geographical Distribution

Widely used across all Australian states and territories, with a slight preference in urban centres like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. No significant regional variations in popularity.

Numerological Significance

Name number 8 (based on Pythagorean numerology), symbolising strength, authority, and material success, often associated with leadership qualities in personal and professional domains.

Astrological Connections

No specific zodiac association, but individuals named Daniel often exhibit traits aligned with Leo or Capricorn—leadership, ambition, integrity, depending on star signs.

Historical Context

The biblical Daniel has been a figure of archetype for wisdom and courage, influencing numerous literatures and artworks. In Australian history, the name has been borne by notable figures in various fields including sports, politics, and the arts, such as Daniel Ricciardo, Formula 1 driver.

Linguistic Adaptability

The name Daniel adapts well across many languages, often maintaining its form or slight variants; in Asian and European contexts, it is easily recognised and pronounced.

Famous People Named daniel

• Daniel Radcliffe (Actor), Daniel Ricciardo (F1 Driver), Daniel Johns (Musician)
• Daniel (biblical prophet), Daniel Defoe (author) - internationally renowned figures with historical significance.
• Daniel O'Connell (Irish political leader, influential in the historical context of Irish migration to Australia)

Popularity in Australia