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Danae

♀ Girl

Pronounced DAN-ay-ee /ˈdæn.eɪ.iː/Low

Meaning: Parched, dry earthLow

In 30 seconds: Danae is a name from Greek mythology meaning parched or dry earth. She was the mother of the hero Perseus, visited by Zeus in a shower of gold while imprisoned by her father. One of antiquity's most beautifully tragic figures.
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Origin LowGreek
MeaningParched, dry earth
U.S. rank (2024)#1362 ↗ Rising
2024 U.S. births167 girls (0.01% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2001
Total births (all-time)≈ 7,365

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 200119472024

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

History & Origin

Danae appears in Greek mythology as the daughter of King Acrisius of Argos. A prophecy said her son would kill him, so he imprisoned her. Zeus visited her as a shower of gold and she bore the hero Perseus. Her name means parched or dry earth.

Danae as a given name is used in Greece and among parents who appreciate classical mythology. It has a rare, elegant quality with strong mythological and artistic associations from centuries of paintings depicting her story.

Did you know? Zeus famously visited Danae by transforming into a shower of gold — this story inspired countless Renaissance paintings including Titian's magnificent series of Danae canvases, cementing her as one of mythology's most painted women.
Overall data confidence 90%
Behind the Name: Danae

Variations

DanaDanayDanaë

Nicknames

DanaDani

Famous Bearers

  • ★Danae (mythology) (mythological)
    Princess of Argos and mother of the hero Perseus by Zeus in Greek mythology

If you like Danae…

Daphne— Greek mythological name of similar ancient resonance
Persephone— Greek mythological heroine name
Ariadne— Greek myth heroine with same three-syllable elegance
Calliope— Greek muse name of same classical beauty

Frequently Asked

What does Danae mean?

Danae means parched or dry earth in Ancient Greek. She was the mother of the hero Perseus in Greek mythology.

Who was Danae in Greek mythology?

Danae was the princess of Argos imprisoned by her father who was visited by Zeus as a shower of gold and bore the hero Perseus.

How do you pronounce Danae?

Danae is pronounced DAN-ay-ee with three syllables.

What names are similar to Danae?

Similar mythological names include Daphne, Ariadne, and Persephone.