Declining since 1985, #628 for boys today.
Popularity of Danny since 1900
Babies named Danny per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1954, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Danny's real moment was 1948.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1900s | 66 |
| 1910s | 389 |
| 1920s | 1,747 |
| 1930s | 7,235 |
| 1940s | 46,661 |
| 1950s | 86,640 |
| 1960s | 60,731 |
| 1970s | 28,863 |
| 1980s | 20,012 |
| 1990s | 13,819 |
| 2000s | 10,547 |
| 2010s | 7,113 |
| 2020s | 2,825 |
Meaning & origin
Danny, a friendly diminutive of Daniel, has been a familiar presence in American naming for over a century. The name first appeared in U.S. records in 1900 and enjoyed its greatest popularity in 1948, when it reached its peak. By 2025, Danny had fallen to rank 628, given to about 1 in every 3,838 baby boys. The name's trajectory has been falling since 1985, reflecting a broader decline in names of its era. It remains most common in states like New Mexico, California, and Arizona. Danny's enduring appeal lies in its approachable, easygoing sound, which became a hallmark of mid-20th-century boy names such as Tony, Johnny, and Randy. While its use as a formal given name has waned, it continues to be a warm and familiar choice, often associated with a friendly and unpretentious character.
Danny originated as a diminutive of the Hebrew name Daniel, which means 'God is my judge.' It gained independent usage in the English-speaking world, particularly in the United States, during the 20th century. The name has been used as both a given name and a nickname, and it peaked in popularity in the mid-20th century.
Where Danny is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Danny” around the world
Where Danny lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
20
babies in 2024
Ireland
#76
in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Dan, Danno
Sibling names for Danny
Names that share Danny's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Debbie, Cindy, Peggy, Sandy, Vicki, Becky, Candy, Sheri, Tammy, Cheri, Cori, Cristy, Danita, Danni, Debby, Joanie, Kandy, Kary, Mandy, Marci, Niki, Patti, Rikki, Roni, Sandi, Vickey, Vickie, Camie, Cammy, Candie, Cathey, Cathi, Chany, Chrissy, Dannette, Genny, Karry, Kimmie, Kimmy, Mandie, Mikki, Nickie, Randie, Robbi, Ronni, Sammi, Sandee, Sandie, Sindy, Suzy, Wende, Wendie, Barbi, Brande, Candee, Cindee, Debie, Donice, Gini, Janney, Jeani, Kandee, Kandie, Krissie, Mandee, Marcey, Mindee, Mindie, Monya, Ramie, Sendy, Shandy, Sindi, Steffie, Tamy, Tandi, Tangie, Boni, Buffi, Cendy, Chonda, Chrisie, Dally, Danne, Denni, Dodi, Jancy, Missi, Mistee, Pammy, Sande, Shary, Sheli, Syndi, Taffy, Tammey, Tangee, Tanny, Yenny, Kimarie, Barby, Chellie, Chelly, Dannetta, Darsi, Jandi, Lendy, Lorilynn, Marsi, Rendi, Rhandi, Rindy, Ronnita, Rusti, Schelly, Sundy, Taffie, Tonnia, Wandy, Yeny
Brothers: Tony, Randy, Johnny, Ronnie, Bobby, Joey, Rickey, Donny, Marty, Corry, Mikey, Timmie, Doni, Gery, Richy, Rondy, Tonny, Deano, Frandy, Kippy, Korry, Rondey, Jery, Jodey, Kinnie, Rendy, Tery
Names like Danny
Names whose popularity has moved with Danny's over the last 50 years.
