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Dani

♀ Girl

Pronounced DAN-ee /ˈdæn.i/High

Meaning: Short form of Daniela or Danielle, from the Hebrew Daniel (דָּנִיֵּאל), meaning 'God is my judge' (dan = judge + el = God); the feminine short form has become widely used as a standalone nameHigh

In 30 seconds: Dani is the breezy, confident short form of Daniela or Danielle meaning 'God is my judge.' Cool and immediately approachable, it has a strong, sporty feel that makes it equally at home as a nickname or a complete given name.
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Origin HighHebrew
MeaningShort form of Daniela or Danielle, from the Hebrew Daniel (דָּנִיֵּאל), meaning 'God is my judge' (dan = judge + el = God); the feminine short form has become widely used as a standalone name
U.S. rank (2025)#747 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births364 girls (0.02% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2022
Total births (all-time)≈ 10,334

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202219422025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Dani is a diminutive of Daniela or Danielle, the feminine forms of the Hebrew Daniel. Daniel was a 6th-century BCE prophet who interpreted the dreams of Nebuchadnezzar and survived the lion's den. The feminine forms became popular in Europe through Catholic naming traditions.

Dani has been used in the United States as a standalone name for girls since the late 20th century, particularly popular in the 1990s and 2000s. It carries a sporty, confident energy and is appreciated for its short, punchy quality that bridges nickname and given name seamlessly.

Did you know? The prophet Daniel, from whose name Dani derives, was famous for interpreting dreams and surviving the lion's den. His Hebrew name Dan-El carries the idea that God is the ultimate arbiter of justice — giving Dani a quietly powerful theological meaning beneath its casual exterior.
Overall data confidence 93%
Behind the Name — Dani — etymology and usageU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

DanielleDanielaDanny

Nicknames

Dan

Famous Bearers

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If you like Dani…

Demi— shares the crisp two-syllable nickname-quality with the same friendly confidence
Addi— fellow short -i ending nickname-name for girls with the same approachable warmth
Ari— shares the short, punchy nickname-as-name quality and the same modern confidence
Bri— parallel one/two syllable nickname standing alone with the same effortless cool

Frequently Asked

What does the name Dani mean?

Dani means 'God is my judge' as a short form of Daniela, from the Hebrew Daniel (dan = judge + el = God).

How do you pronounce Dani?

Dani is pronounced DAN-ee /ˈdæn.i/ — two syllables with stress on the first.

Is Dani a full name or a nickname?

Dani is used both as a standalone given name and as a nickname for Daniela or Danielle.

Is Dani more commonly a boys or girls name?

Dani is used for both, but with the -i ending it leans more feminine. This entry is for girls. The Danny spelling is more associated with boys.