Dani

♂ Boy

Pronounced DAH-nee /ˈdɑ.ni/High

Meaning: Short form of Daniel, Hebrew for 'God is my judge', used as a standalone boys' name in Spain, Israel, Hungary, and beyondHigh

In 30 seconds: Daniel the way half the world's locker rooms shout it: Dani is the international short form — Spanish footballers, Israeli kids, Hungarian classics — meaning 'God is my judge'.

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Origin HighHebrew, Spanish, Hungarian

MeaningShort form of Daniel, Hebrew for 'God is my judge', used as a standalone boys' name in Spain, Israel, Hungary, and beyond

U.S. rank (2025)#4158 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births25 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2024

Total births (all-time)≈ 1,085

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Dani is the short form of Daniel — Hebrew Daniyyel, 'God is my judge', borne by the lion's-den prophet — that functions as a full name across Spain, Israel, Hungary, and the Balkans. In American records it has more often marked girls (via Danielle), but international sport keeps the male Dani prominent.

For a U.S. boy the name reads bilingual and easygoing — Daniel's warmth without the formality. It remains rare for American sons, instantly familiar everywhere else.

Did you know? Spanish football has fielded a small army of Danis — Dani Alves, Dani Carvajal, Dani Olmo — making the nickname practically a position on the pitch.

Overall data confidence 92%

Behind the Name — Dani — short form background

Variations

DannyDanielDany

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

★Dani Alves (1983–present)
Brazilian footballer, one of the most decorated players in the sport's history.

If you like Dani…

Danny— the Anglo-Irish twin nickname

Daniel— the prophet's classic behind it

Mateo— a fellow Spanish-international favorite

Nico— another continental short form gone standalone

Explore names like Dani

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Dani mean?

Dani is a short form of Daniel, Hebrew for 'God is my judge'.

How do you pronounce Dani?

It's said DAH-nee /ˈdɑ.ni/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Dani a boy or girl name?

Dani serves both sexes; internationally it is a standard boys' name, and this page covers that use.

How popular is Dani?

Dani is rare for American boys but common across Spain, Israel, and Eastern Europe.