Danika Girl
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: DAN-ih-kah //ˈdænɪkə//
Origin: Slavic; Hebrew
Meaning: Slavic: 'morning star'; Hebrew: 'God is my judge'
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Danika has its roots in Slavic languages, particularly deriving from the word "dan" which means "day" or "morning." This etymological connection suggests a literal meaning of "morning star" or "daybreak." The name is often associated with the Slavic goddess of the dawn, which further emphasizes its connection to light and new beginnings. The name entered the English language through the influence of Slavic culture, particularly during the 19th and 20th centuries as interest in Slavic folklore and mythology grew in Western Europe and North America.
Historically, Danika has been used in various Slavic countries, with its earliest recorded uses appearing in the 20th century. While not tied to any specific biblical figures or saints, the name's association with dawn and light has given it a symbolic significance in various cultural contexts.
The name has been embraced in literature and art, often representing themes of hope and renewal. The spread of the name can also be attributed to the broader interest in Slavic names and their meanings, particularly during the Romantic era when there was a resurgence of interest in folk tales and mythology.
Culturally, Danika resonates with themes of femininity and beauty, often symbolizing a new beginning or a fresh start. The name's melodic quality and positive connotations have contributed to its appeal in various artistic expressions, including poetry and music.
Additionally, diminutive forms such as Danya or Dani have emerged, reflecting a common practice in many cultures to create affectionate or familiar variations of names. Overall, Danika embodies a rich tapestry of linguistic and cultural significance, rooted in its Slavic origins and the universal themes of light and renewal.
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Fictional characters named Danika
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U.S. Historical Usage
The name Danika was first seen in the United States in 1966. Danika has ranked as high as #746 nationally, which occurred in 2007, and has been most popular in California, Texas, Washington, New York, and Pennsylvania. In the past 5 years the name Danika has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Danika (2024)
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| TX | 11 | |
| CA | 11 | |
| NY | 5 | |
| OR | 5 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1966 | 5 |
| 1967 | 8 |
| 1968 | 13 |
| 1969 | 14 |
| 1970 | 22 |
| 1971 | 22 |
| 1972 | 27 |
| 1973 | 38 |
| 1974 | 58 |
| 1975 | 79 |
| 1976 | 74 |
| 1977 | 71 |
| 1978 | 56 |
| 1979 | 85 |
| 1980 | 97 |
| 1981 | 59 |
| 1982 | 81 |
| 1983 | 81 |
| 1984 | 76 |
| 1985 | 84 |
| 1986 | 90 |
| 1987 | 110 |
| 1988 | 144 |
| 1989 | 211 |
| 1990 | 219 |
| 1991 | 181 |
| 1992 | 205 |
| 1993 | 183 |
| 1994 | 189 |
| 1995 | 153 |
| 1996 | 174 |
| 1997 | 143 |
| 1998 | 147 |
| 1999 | 139 |
| 2000 | 151 |
| 2001 | 157 |
| 2002 | 160 |
| 2003 | 150 |
| 2004 | 182 |
| 2005 | 298 |
| 2006 | 509 |
| 2007 | 709 |
| 2008 | 648 |
| 2009 | 659 |
| 2010 | 579 |
| 2011 | 475 |
| 2012 | 414 |
| 2013 | 361 |
| 2014 | 357 |
| 2015 | 267 |
| 2016 | 226 |
| 2017 | 166 |
| 2018 | 167 |
| 2019 | 143 |
| 2020 | 116 |
| 2021 | 115 |
| 2022 | 114 |
| 2023 | 87 |
| 2024 | 78 |