"she who judges"
Origin: Greek
Language: Greek
Danae
Does Danae flow with your last name?
A golden Greek myth woven into a name
Greek
European
Literary
Elegant
Vintage
Sophisticated
Whimsical
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Nicknames
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Meaning & Origin
"parched, dry"
Origin: Ancient Greek
Language: Greek
"from Argos (Greek region)"
Origin: Greek mythology
Language: Greek
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The Story of Danae
Danae comes from ancient Greek mythology — she was a princess of Argos, daughter of King Acrisius. The name's meaning is debated: some scholars derive it from the Greek word for 'dry' or 'parched,' while others link it to the verb 'dainesthai' (to judge). The name was immortalized in the myth of Danae, who was imprisoned in a bronze chamber by her father and visited by Zeus in the form of golden rain, resulting in the birth of the hero Perseus.
Danae has remained a niche choice in English-speaking countries, appreciated by parents drawn to mythology and classical names. It enjoys greater use in Greece and among families with Hellenic heritage. The name has seen modest interest alongside the broader revival of mythological names.
Danae is one of the most depicted figures in Western art — Rembrandt, Titian, Klimt, and Correggio all painted her famous story. In Greek culture, she represents both vulnerability and divine favor, making the name carry an air of artistic and mythological gravitas.
Historical Record
Danae first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 7,349 babies have been named Danae in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Danae is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #1,362 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Gustav Klimt's painting 'Danae' (1907) is one of his most celebrated works, depicting the golden shower myth in his distinctive gilded style
- In Greek mythology, an oracle told Danae's father he would be killed by his grandson — leading him to imprison her, but ultimately Perseus fulfilled the prophecy anyway
Danae in Other Languages
Greek
Δανάη
French
Danaé
German
Danae
Italian
Danae
Spanish
Danae
Popularity Over Time
#1,362
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Rising Fast
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Danae
D
Danae (mythological princess) Fictional
Other
Princess of Argos in Greek mythology, mother of the hero Perseus by Zeus
D
Danaë (Klimt painting subject) Fictional
Other
Subject of Gustav Klimt's iconic 1907 painting depicting the myth of the golden shower
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Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #1,362
- Total SSA Count
- 167
- Cultural Origins
- Greek European
- Pronunciation
- Moderate
- Formality
- Formal
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Dani
Dana
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, sophisticated style, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Timeless choice, elegant style, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-3 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-3 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, literary style, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Timeless choice, literary style, quick 1-1 syllable combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Danae
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Danae is also used as a boy name, ranked #19148.
View Danae as a boy name →Similar Names
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Same Origin Names (Greek)
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Frequently Asked Questions About Danae
What does the name Danae mean?
"she who judges" (from Greek). "parched, dry" (from Ancient Greek). "from Argos (Greek region)" (from Greek mythology). Danae comes from ancient Greek mythology — she was a princess of Argos, daughter of King Acrisius. The name's meaning is debated: some scholars derive it from the Greek word for 'dry' or 'parched,' while others link it to the verb 'dainesthai' (to judge). The name was immortalized in the myth of Danae, who was imprisoned in a bronze chamber by her father and visited by Zeus in the form of golden rain, resulting in the birth of the hero Perseus.
What is the origin of the name Danae?
Danae has Greek, Ancient Greek, Greek mythology, and European origins. In Greek, it means "she who judges". In Ancient Greek, it means "parched, dry". In Greek mythology, it means "from Argos (Greek region)".
Is Danae a boy or girl name?
Danae is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #1362. As a boy name, it is ranked #19148. Danae is more commonly used as a girl name.
How popular is the name Danae?
Danae is currently ranked #1362 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Danae?
Common nicknames for Danae include Dani and Dana.
What are good middle names for Danae?
Popular middle name pairings include Danae Rose, Danae Marie, Danae Grace, Danae Sophia, Danae Elena, Danae Pearl, and Danae Celeste.
What are good sibling names for Danae?
Names that pair well with Danae as siblings include Penelope, Callista, Phoebe, Orion, Lysander, Thea, and Perseus.
How many syllables does Danae have?
Danae has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Danae a common or rare name?
Danae is an uncommon name, ranked #1362 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What girl names are similar to Danae?
Are there other spellings for Danae?
Related spellings include Dana.
About the Name Danae
Danae is a girl name with Greek and European origins . The name means "she who judges" in Greek .
Is Danae a boy or girl name? Danae is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #1,362 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #19,148. Danae is more commonly used as a girl name.
Danae is currently ranked #1,362 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Danae has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Danae include Dani and Dana. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Danae include Dana . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis