Danny

♂ Boy

Pronounced DAN-ee /ˈdæn.i/High

Meaning: Diminutive of Daniel, from the Hebrew Daniyyel (דָּנִיֵּאל), meaning 'God is my judge.' Daniel was a biblical prophet renowned for wisdom.High

In 30 seconds: Danny is the cheerful, approachable diminutive of Daniel. Long a beloved given name in its own right, it has a classic mid-century charm that feels both familiar and timeless.

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Origin HighHebrew

MeaningDiminutive of Daniel, from the Hebrew Daniyyel (דָּנִיֵּאל), meaning 'God is my judge.' Daniel was a biblical prophet renowned for wisdom.

U.S. rank (2025)#628 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births445 boys (0.02% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1954

Total births (all-time)≈ 286,639

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

History & Origin

Danny derives from Daniel, a Hebrew name meaning 'God is my judge.' The biblical Daniel was one of the major prophets of the Old Testament, famous for surviving the lions' den. The name has been in continuous use in English-speaking countries since the early medieval period.

As a standalone name, Danny was especially popular in mid-20th-century America, associated with entertainers and athletes. The song Danny Boy (1913) deeply embedded it in popular culture. While Daniel remains a perennial classic, Danny has a warmer, more informal register.

Did you know? Danny Boy, the famous Irish song set to the traditional melody Londonderry Air, has cemented Danny as one of the most emotionally resonant names in the English-speaking world, regardless of the bearer's Irish heritage.

Overall data confidence 95%

Behind the Name — Danny — etymology and variantsU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

DanielDanDani

Nicknames

Dan

Famous Bearers

★Danny Kaye (1911–1987)
American actor, singer, and comedian known for films such as The Court Jester and White Christmas.
★Danny DeVito (1944–present)
American actor and comedian known for Taxi, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, and many film roles.

If you like Danny…

Robbie— shares the friendly, mid-century diminutive charm used as a standalone

Eddie— fellow classic short form of a Hebrew-rooted name with the same upbeat feel

Sammy— similarly warm and approachable diminutive with timeless appeal

Charlie— shares the cheerful, boyish quality that has crossed into timeless status

Frequently Asked

What does the name Danny mean?

Danny is a diminutive of Daniel, from Hebrew meaning 'God is my judge.' It shares the meaning of the biblical prophet Daniel.

How do you pronounce Danny?

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

Is Danny a boy or girl name?

Danny is predominantly a boys' name, though the root Daniel and variant Dani are used for girls.

How popular is Danny?

Danny was a U.S. top-100 name through much of the mid-20th century. It has declined but remains recognizable, with Daniel still ranking in the top 20.