Data-driven popularity statistics, SSA rankings, and historical trends for the name Daniel.
National Rank (2025)
#22
All-Time Peak Rank
#5 (1985)
Total U.S. Births
1,982,812
Unisex Distribution99.6% Boy / 0.4% GirlBalance: Overwhelmingly Male
💡 The Daniel Vibe: This choice is considered a Perennial Favorite. A historic staple that has maintained dominant national popularity for over half a century.
📖 The Story Behind Daniel
According to SSA data, Daniel achieved its highest historical rank of #5 in 1985. Its highest annual registration volume occurred in 1985 with 38,559 babies. Between 2015 and 2025, modern registrations have decreased by 40.3%. Overall, the name has maintained a ranked presence for 146 consecutive years.
📊 Factual Timeline & Current Trajectory (1880 – 2025)
Watch how the absolute registration footprint of the name Daniel scaled historically over the last century:
5-Year Trajectory Velocity
Declining
10-Year Decadal Shift Change
-40.3% Decline
18801920196020002025
📈 Popularity Milestones & Volatility
Busiest Year on Record38,559Births in 1985
Years in Top 100
146yrs
Registry Appearance Streak
146Years
Historical VolatilityVery Stable
Decade-by-Decade Registration Volumes
1880s:5,679
1890s:5,185
1900s:5,036
1910s:23,978
1920s:43,407
1930s:47,998
1940s:112,778
1950s:243,727
1960s:242,020
1970s:244,454
1980s:345,537
1990s:272,360
2000s:203,975
2010s:133,952
2020s:52,726
📐 Sound & Spelling Structure
Phonetic SyllablesDan-iel
Letter Count6 Letters
Spelling ComplexityModerate
Linguistic Profile Narrative: It is an isogram, meaning no two letters are repeated. Longer than 25.7% of SSA names. Starts with D, a letter used by only 6.6% of SSA names.
🛠️ Rhythm & Cadence Engine
Need a middle name or matching choice that pairs cleanly with Daniel? Enter a surname or older sibling name below to test structural meter and syllable cohesion:
BabyNameAnalytics