Rising since 1985, #746 for girls today.
Popularity of Dani since 1942
Babies named Dani per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1940s | 46 | 11 |
| 1950s | 641 | 58 |
| 1960s | 688 | 59 |
| 1970s | 778 | 75 |
| 1980s | 883 | 101 |
| 1990s | 1,055 | 117 |
| 2000s | 1,496 | 225 |
| 2010s | 2,446 | 255 |
| 2020s | 2,306 | 184 |
Meaning & origin
Dani emerged as a given name in the United States in the mid-20th century, first recorded in 1942. For decades it remained uncommon, but since 1985 its trajectory has been steadily rising, culminating in its peak rank in 2022. By 2025, Dani ranked 746th nationwide, with 1 in every 4,416 girls receiving the name. It enjoys particular favor in states like West Virginia, Mississippi, and Louisiana. The name's appeal lies in its simplicity and its roots as a friendly abbreviation of longer classics like Danielle. While its etymology is open-ended, Dani has carved out its own identity as a modern, accessible choice for girls.
Dani originated as a nickname for Danielle or Daniel, though it has also been used independently. The name began appearing on U.S. records in the mid-20th century and has grown in popularity since the 1980s. It is considered a modern unisex name, most commonly given to girls.
Where Dani 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.
“Dani” around the world
Where Dani lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
30
babies in 2024
Ireland
7
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Sibling names for Dani
Names that share Dani's style, for a brother or sister.
