Log in · Sign up

Dan Boy

Popularity: #842 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Origin(s)

Pronunciationdan / /dæn/

Hebrew; English

Meaning

Hebrew: God is my judge; English: short form of Daniel

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Dan has its roots in the Hebrew language, derived from the word 'דָּן' (Dan), which means 'to judge' or 'he has judged.' This name is biblically significant, as it is borne by one of the twelve sons of Jacob, who is a key figure in the Hebrew Bible. The biblical Dan is noted for being the founder of the Tribe of Dan, one of the tribes of Israel, which is mentioned in various texts throughout the Old Testament. The name was subsequently adopted into Greek as 'Δαν' (Dan) and later into Latin, maintaining its original form as it transitioned into Old French and eventually into Middle English, where it appeared as 'Dan' or 'Danne.'

Historically, the name Dan has been associated with various notable figures, including saints and biblical characters. One significant reference is found in the Book of Genesis, where Dan is mentioned in the context of Jacob's blessings to his sons, which occurred around the 17th century BCE. The name also appears in the genealogies of the New Testament, further solidifying its importance in Judeo-Christian traditions. The King James Bible, published in the early 17th century, helped to popularize the name in English-speaking contexts, as it included references to the Tribe of Dan and its historical significance.

Culturally, the name Dan carries connotations of justice and leadership, reflecting its etymological roots. In various traditions, the name has been associated with qualities such as wisdom and fairness, resonating with the biblical narrative of the character Dan. The diminutive form 'Danny' has also emerged in various cultures, though it is more modern in its usage. Overall, the name Dan has maintained a lasting presence in historical and religious contexts, symbolizing a legacy of judgment and leadership.

Trend Summary

The name Dan has seen fluctuating popularity in the United States, peaking in the mid-20th century.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Danny
  • Dane

International Variants

  • Daniele (Italian)
  • Daniil (Russian)
  • Dániel (Hungarian)

Famous people named Dan

Dan Aykroyd is an actor, comedian, and musician best known for Ghostbusters, The Blues Brothers, and Saturday Night Live.

Dan Brown is an author best known for The Da Vinci Code, Angels & Demons, and Inferno.

Dan Rather is a journalist and news anchor best known for CBS Evening News and 60 Minutes.

Dan Marino is a former professional football player best known for his career with the Miami Dolphins and being a Hall of Fame quarterback.

Dan Fogelberg is a singer-songwriter best known for his hits such as Longer, Leader of the Band, and Same Old Lang Syne.

Dan Harmon is a writer and producer best known for creating Community and Rick and Morty.

Dan O'Brien is an Olympic athlete best known for winning a gold medal in the decathlon.

Dan Levy is an actor, writer, and producer best known for Schitt's Creek.

Fictional characters named Dan

Dan Scott is a fictional character from the TV series One Tree Hill. He is the father of Lucas and Nathan Scott and serves as a central figure in their tumultuous lives.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Dan was first seen in the United States in 1880. Dan has ranked as high as #233 nationally, which occurred in 1960, and has been most popular in California, Ohio, Illinois, Michigan, and Texas. In the past 5 years the name Dan has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Dan (2024)

StateBirthsShare
FL 12
29%
TX 9
21%
CA 8
19%
NY 8
19%
NC 5
12%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
1880140
1881148
1882150
1883120
1884151
1885129
1886154
1887140
1888154
1889116
1890160
1891113
1892156
1893143
1894114
189596
1896133
1897115
1898125
1899119
1900192
1901117
1902124
1903155
1904156
1905152
1906128
1907160
1908152
1909163
1910188
1911205
1912298
1913374
1914447
1915578
1916594
1917595
1918710
1919748
1920764
1921717
1922806
1923730
1924800
1925772
1926880
1927923
1928908
1929800
1930899
1931882
1932922
1933938
1934939
19351,015
1936965
19371,033
19381,040
1939996
19401,097
19411,154
19421,344
19431,538
19441,488
19451,726
19462,194
19472,702
19482,495
19492,279
19502,085
19511,992
19522,311
19532,166
19542,153
19552,304
19562,437
19573,194
19583,693
19593,675
19603,697
19613,417
19623,115
19632,823
19642,369
19651,991
19661,538
19671,329
19681,271
19691,159
19701,021
1971902
1972677
1973573
1974479
1975448
1976400
1977378
1978343
1979329
1980335
1981362
1982315
1983280
1984265
1985264
1986268
1987231
1988249
1989240
1990234
1991230
1992209
1993208
1994178
1995171
1996176
1997165
1998150
1999139
2000163
2001143
2002153
2003146
2004139
2005156
2006136
2007149
2008136
2009116
2010116
2011108
2012107
201387
2014102
201591
2016100
201796
201897
2019102
202086
202178
202288
2023100
202482