Daniil

Meaning & origin

Daniil entered the U.S. baby name charts in 2003, and its popularity peaked in 2016. Since 2017, its usage has been declining: in 2025, it ranked 7679, with about 1 in 170,808 newborn boys receiving the name. The name's trajectory shows a gradual drop, reflecting broader trends away from traditional Slavic imports. Though not concentrated in any specific U.S. state, Daniil has a steady presence among families with Eastern European heritage, who often choose it to honor cultural roots. Its association with notable figures like tennis player Daniil Medvedev has given it global recognition, but domestically it remains a rare, distinctive choice. The name's story is one of modest rise and fall, a quiet entry into American naming culture that mirrors the broader ebb and flow of international names.

Daniil is the Russian and Ukrainian form of Daniel, a Hebrew name meaning 'God is my judge.' The name entered Slavic languages through the Byzantine Empire via the Old Church Slavonic form Daniĭl. It has been borne by numerous Eastern Orthodox saints, including Saint Daniil of Moscow, a 13th-century prince who founded the Danilov Monastery. The name remains common across Russia, Ukraine, and other Slavic countries.