Declining since 1985.
Popularity of Danelle since 1938
Babies named Danelle per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1930s | 16 |
| 1940s | 134 |
| 1950s | 321 |
| 1960s | 1,048 |
| 1970s | 2,142 |
| 1980s | 2,061 |
| 1990s | 877 |
| 2000s | 336 |
| 2010s | 130 |
| 2020s | 44 |
Meaning & origin
Danelle is a feminine elaboration of Daniel, created by adding the French-inspired suffix -elle. It first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1938, but its popularity peaked in 1974, when it reached its highest rank among girls' names. Since 1985, the name has been in steady decline, reflecting broader trends away from the Danielle-family of names. Danelle has never been among the top 1000 names nationally, and no state has shown a particular preference for it. As a modern coinage, it lacks the deep history of its root name Daniel, but it offers a distinctive yet recognizable alternative for parents seeking a softer feminine form.
Danelle is a modern feminine elaboration of Daniel, itself from the Hebrew name Daniyyel meaning 'God is my judge'. Daniel appears in the Old Testament as a prophet, and the name has been widely used among Christians and Jews. The variant Danelle emerged in the United States in the 20th century, likely influenced by the popularity of Danielle and the fashion for names ending in -elle.
Where Danelle is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Dani, Elle, Nellie
Sibling names for Danelle
Names that share Danelle's style, for a brother or sister.
