Declining since 2021, #8,860 for girls today.
Popularity of Danai since 1983
Babies named Danai per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1980s | 16 |
| 1990s | 85 |
| 2000s | 116 |
| 2010s | 111 |
| 2020s | 98 |
Meaning & origin
Danai is a rare given name in the United States, first recorded in 1983, with a peak in 2022. As of 2025, it ranks 8,860, with approximately 1 in every 146,115 baby girls receiving the name. Its trajectory has been falling since 2021, indicating a recent decline in popularity. The name's origins are ambiguous, possibly drawing from Greek mythology or the Shona language of Zimbabwe. Its moderate but steady usage reflects a modern coinage that appeals to parents seeking a unique, cross-cultural name. Danai has not appeared among any top state rankings, highlighting its niche appeal.
The name Danai appears in Greek mythology as the plural form of Danaë, mother of Perseus, but its use as a given name is modern. It is also found in Zimbabwe as a Shona name, possibly meaning 'love' or 'affection', though this derivation is not firmly documented. The name gained modest usage in the United States starting in the 1980s.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Dana, Nai, Dani
Variants: Danae, Danaë
Sibling names for Danai
Names that share Danai's style, for a brother or sister.
