Daniel sits comfortably in the UK charts at #59 in 2024 — recognisable but not overwhelming. Your child may occasionally share their name.
Origin & Meaning
Hebrew — God is my judge
📊
UK Rank 2024
#59
US Rank #16
About the Name Daniel
Daniel is holding steady in the rankings at #59. It reached its peak of #2 in 1996 and has maintained consistent levels since — the hallmark of a name with lasting rather than trend-driven appeal. The name has been a consistent presence in UK records since 1996. It has spent 29 of the last 29 years inside the UK top 100 — a mark of enduring mainstream appeal.
In terms of origin, Daniel is rooted in Hebrew, where it means "God is my judge". Names with strong etymological stories tend to age well — they carry weight beyond fashion cycles.
Daniel is distinctive enough that your child will likely be the only one in both their class and their school — standing out on every register.
In the US it ranks even higher at #16, where it enjoys a particularly strong following.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the name Daniel
Unlikely. With around 877 UK babies named Daniel per year, your child will almost certainly be the only Daniel in his class, and possibly the only one in the whole school.
Daniel has held a stable position around #59 for several years. It reached its recorded peak of #2 in 1996 and has maintained consistent levels since — suggesting lasting rather than trend-driven appeal.
The name Daniel has Hebrew origins and means "God is my judge". Names with clear etymological roots tend to age well — they carry weight beyond fashion cycles and give children a story to tell about their name.
Notable people named Daniel include: Daniel Ek — Daniel Georg Ek is a Swedish businessman and technologist.; Daniel Noboa — Daniel Roy Gilchrist Noboa Azín is an Ecuadorian politician and businessman serving as the 48th and current president of Ecuador since 2023.; Cynthia Daniel — Cynthia Daniel is an American photographer and former actress, best known for her role as Elizabeth Wakefield in the 1990s syndicated teen drama Sweet Valley....
Yes — Daniel is very popular in the United States, ranked #16 in 2024. It's a transatlantic favourite used widely on both sides of the Atlantic.
877
UK babies named Daniel (2024)
~0.0
Expected classmates with this name (class of 28)
~0.5
In a school of 600
↓ 9 places
Rank change (last 5 years)
🏫 Who else is in the room?
In a typical UK class of 28, highlighted children share the name Daniel
Likely around 1 other Daniel in the class
UK Popularity (1996–2024)
Rank and birth count · ONS official data
US Popularity (2020–2024)
Rank · SSA official data
✨ Similar names to Daniel
Names with a similar style — each with their own classroom story
Daniel Roy Gilchrist Noboa Azín is an Ecuadorian politician and businessman serving as the 48th and current president of Ecuador since 2023. Having first taken office at the age of 35, he is the second-youngest president in the country's history, after Juan José Flores, and the youngest to be elected.
Cynthia Daniel is an American photographer and former actress, best known for her role as Elizabeth Wakefield in the 1990s syndicated teen drama Sweet Valley High. Daniel is the twin sister of actress Brittany Daniel.
Daniel Shawn Susac is an American professional baseball catcher for the San Francisco Giants of Major League Baseball (MLB). He made his MLB debut in 2026.
Daniel Lawrence Lurie is an American politician and philanthropist who is the 46th and incumbent mayor of San Francisco, serving since 2025. He was elected in 2024, defeating then-incumbent London Breed.