Danny

Pronunciation: [ d-AN-ee ]

Boy Name #642 Most Popular Steady 2 Syllables

A Hebrew prophet's name made warm by Irish song

American Irish English Jewish

Classic Playful Traditional Gentle

Meaning & Origin

"God is my judge"

Origin: Hebrew (Daniyel)

Language: English

"divine judge"

Origin: Hebrew

Language: Hebrew

The Story of Danny

Danny is a diminutive of Daniel, from the Hebrew 'Daniyel' meaning 'God is my judge'—combining 'din' (to judge) and 'el' (God). Daniel was a major prophet in the Hebrew Bible, famous for surviving the lion's den. The diminutive Danny became particularly popular in Irish and Irish-American communities, where the tradition of affectionate nicknames is strong. The beloved Irish ballad 'Danny Boy' (1910) gave the name extraordinary sentimental power.

Danny was a top-100 name in the US through the 1950s-1980s, common among the Baby Boomer generation. It has declined as parents gravitate toward the full Daniel or more modern names, though it retains warmth and nostalgic charm.

In Ireland and Irish-American culture, 'Danny Boy' is among the most beloved songs ever written. The song (set to the traditional melody Londonderry Air) has been recorded by thousands of artists and is deeply associated with Irish identity, loss, and longing.

Fun Facts

Danny Boy (set to the Londonderry Air melody) has been recorded by over 1,000 artists
Daniel is one of only two names in the Bible (with Michael) to have been in the US top 10 for 50+ consecutive years
Danny DeVito's birth name is Daniel Michael DeVito Jr.

Danny in Other Languages

Irish Daineal

French Daniel

Hebrew Daniyel

Italian Daniele

Spanish Daniel

Famous People Named Danny

Danny DeVito

Actor

1944

American actor, filmmaker, and comedian known for Taxi, Twins, and It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia

Danny Kaye

Entertainer

1913

American actor, singer, and comedian beloved for his wordplay and physical comedy in classic Hollywood films

Danny Zuko Fictional

Other

Protagonist of the musical Grease (1978 film), played by John Travolta, the cool greaser with a heart of gold

Quick Facts

Gender: Boy
Syllables: 2
Popularity Rank: #642
Total SSA Count: 435
Cultural Origins: American Irish English Jewish
Pronunciation: Easy
Formality: Casual
Cross-Cultural Ease: High

Common Nicknames

Dan

Pairs Well With

Danny James Danny Lee Danny Michael Danny Ray Danny Wayne Danny Thomas

Sibling Names

Tommy Jessie Bobby Sandy Timmy Patty

Also a Girl Name

Danny is also used as a girl name, ranked #10318.

View Danny as a girl name →

Similar Names

David Dennis Nathaniel Lonnie Bennie Johnnie Denis Penny

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Frequently Asked Questions About Danny

What does the name Danny mean?

"God is my judge" (from Hebrew (Daniyel)). "divine judge" (from Hebrew). Danny is a diminutive of Daniel, from the Hebrew 'Daniyel' meaning 'God is my judge'—combining 'din' (to judge) and 'el' (God). Daniel was a major prophet in the Hebrew Bible, famous for surviving the lion's den. The diminutive Danny became particularly popular in Irish and Irish-American communities, where the tradition of affectionate nicknames is strong. The beloved Irish ballad 'Danny Boy' (1910) gave the name extraordinary sentimental power.

What is the origin of the name Danny?

Danny has Hebrew (Daniyel), Hebrew, American, Irish, English, and Jewish origins. In Hebrew (Daniyel), it means "God is my judge". In Hebrew, it means "divine judge".

Is Danny a boy or girl name?

Danny is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #642. As a girl name, it is ranked #10318. Danny is more commonly used as a boy name.

How do you pronounce Danny?

Danny is pronounced d-AN-ee.

How popular is the name Danny?

Danny is currently ranked #642 in popularity for boy names in the United States.

What are common nicknames for Danny?

Common nicknames for Danny include Dan.

What are good middle names for Danny?

Popular middle name pairings include Danny James, Danny Lee, Danny Michael, Danny Ray, Danny Wayne, and Danny Thomas.

What are good sibling names for Danny?

Names that pair well with Danny as siblings include Tommy, Jessie, Bobby, Sandy, Timmy, and Patty.

How many syllables does Danny have?

Danny has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.

Is Danny a common or rare name?

Danny is moderately common, ranked #642 for boys in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.

About the Name Danny

Danny is a boy name with American, Irish, English, and Jewish origins . The name means "God is my judge" in Hebrew (Daniyel) .

Is Danny a boy or girl name? Danny is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #642 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #10,318. Danny is more commonly used as a boy name.

Danny is currently ranked #642 in popularity for boy names in the United States.

The name Danny has 2 syllables and is pronounced d-AN-ee, making it easy to pronounce and remember.

Common nicknames for Danny include Dan. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.