Declining since 2008, #2,542 for girls today.
Popularity of Danika since 1966
Babies named Danika per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 40 |
| 1970s | 532 |
| 1980s | 1,033 |
| 1990s | 1,733 |
| 2000s | 3,623 |
| 2010s | 3,156 |
| 2020s | 580 |
Meaning & origin
Danika first appeared on U.S. birth records in 1966, and its usage grew steadily through the 1990s, reaching its peak popularity in 2007 at rank 873. Since 2008, however, the name has been on a downward trajectory, reflecting a shift away from the dan- sound trend. In 2025, it ranks 2,542, with approximately 1 in 23,294 girls receiving the name. The name is most common in Illinois and California. Despite its decline in frequency, Danika retains a fresh, modern feel due to its Slavic roots and celestial meaning, 'morning star.' It offers the appealing nickname Dani, and its variant spelling Danica also sees occasional use. Parents drawn to lyrical names with a subtle international flair continue to choose Danika for its distinctive yet accessible sound.
Danika is a feminine given name of Slavic origin, derived from the word 'danica' meaning 'morning star.' It is a variant of Danica, which is used across several Slavic languages including Czech, Slovak, Serbian, and Croatian. The name has gained popularity in the United States since the 1960s, often chosen for its melodic sound and celestial association.
Where Danika 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, Nika
Sibling names for Danika
Names that share Danika's style, for a brother or sister.
Names like Danika
Names whose popularity has moved with Danika's over the last 50 years.
