Dan

“God is my judge”

Hebrew origin · Unisex name

♂ 99% boys♀ 1% girls

#1698US 2023

100Births / yr

↑Rising

106.7kAll-time births

📅 Since 190600

How to pronounce Dan

DAN

/ˈdæn/ · stress on DAN · 1 syllable

“God is my judge”

Hebrew origin · Unisex name

What does Dan mean and where does it come from?

Dan is traditionally a male name of Hebrew origin that means 'God is my judge' and is derived from the Biblical figure Dan, one of the sons of Jacob. However, in more recent contexts, particularly in Western cultures, Dan has evolved to be used as a female name or unisex name. The name has historica

Cultural significance

Dan has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hebrew-speaking communities, where it reflects values of hebrew.

Peak popularity

Reached #1972 in 1906 — currently #1698 in the US.

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How else can you spell Dan?

Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive

Dann

Spelling variant

What middle names flow best with Dan?

Dan works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Dan Grace

How popular is Dan right now?

Rising fast — up 132 spots — currently #1698 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1920–2023#1698 · Top 1.3%

1930

1935

1940

1945

1950

1955

1965

1970

1975

1980

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2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1698	100	▲ up 132 · +14% births
2022	#1830	88	▲ up 104 · +13% births
2021	#1934	78	▲ up 10115 · +1014% births
2020	#12049	7	▼ down 3710
1985	#8339	7	▼ down 150
1980	#8189	7	▲ up 911 · +40% births
1975	#9100	5	▼ down 3270 · -37% births
1970	#5830	8	▼ down 1 · +33% births
1965	#5829	6	▼ down 2040 · -40% births
1955	#3789	10	▼ down 353
1950	#3436	10	▲ up 610 · +67% births
1945	#4046	6	▼ down 169
1940	#3877	6	▼ down 938 · -33% births
1935	#2939	9	▲ up 128
1930	#3067	9	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Dan

Best Year2023Rank #1698

Peak Count100

Average Rank#4886

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1920 - 202317 years

The story of Dan

Dan entered American naming records in 1906 and has been in use for over 118 years. More than 106,657 babies have been named Dan since 1906. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3969 in 1920 to #1698 in 2023. Dan is used for both genders: 1% female and 99% male.

Names that peaked alongside Dan in 1906:

Mary Helen Margaret Anna Ruth

Dan by decade

Dan peaked in the 1900s. See all 1900s names →

Decade	Births
1880s	1,402
1890s	1,274
1900s	1,504
1910s	4,775
1920s	8,208
1930s	9,703
1940s	18,071
1950s ★	26,089
1960s	22,760
1970s	5,601
1980s	2,870
1990s	1,865
2000s	1,442
2010s	1,003
2020s	90

What are good nicknames for Dan?

Common

DanieDany

Famous people named Dan

Dan (historical community leader)

Dan led communities across the ancient Near East who passed this name through generations.

Dan (historical figure)

Dan bore this name in the Biblical tradition, reflecting its deep roots in Hebrew scripture and culture.

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Celebrity Names

What celebrities named their babies in 2025

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What names sound and feel like Dan?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Dan also consider these

Dant

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Daw

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Common questions about the name Dan

What does the name Dan mean?

Dan means "Hebrew" — a name rooted in Hebrew tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Dan?

Dan is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.

What is the cultural origin of Dan?

Dan originates from Hebrew tradition. Hebrew names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How do you pronounce the name Dan?

Dan is a one-syllable name pronounced D AE1 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

How does Dan sound with different last names?

As a one-syllable name, Dan flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Dan ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.