Comprehensive Guide on the Name “Danielle”

Origin and Historical Background

The name Danielle is of Hebrew origin, derived from the name Daniel, meaning “God is my judge.” Danielle was first used in France and the French-speaking world before proliferating worldwide. It remains a popular choice among parents balancing tradition and modernity.

Meaning and Cultural Significance

Danielle carries a profound spiritual connotation, deriving from the Hebrew words “Dan” (judge) and “El” (God). The name implies a deep sense of justice, fairness, and righteousness, virtues that resonate across cultures and epochs. Names bearing such spiritual and moral weight often reflect the parent’s aspiration for their child to embody these qualities.

Famous Historical Figures with the Name Danielle

1. Danielle Steel

• Historical Era: Modern
• Key Contributions: A prolific American novelist known for her romance and drama books.
• Cultural Impact: With over 800 million copies sold, Danielle Steel has significantly impacted contemporary literature and popular culture, making her one of the best-selling authors alive.

2. Danielle de Barbarac (Fictional Character)

• Historical Era: Renaissance (as depicted in the 1998 film Ever After)
• Key Contributions: The character of Danielle de Barbarac, portrayed by Drew Barrymore, reimagines the Cinderella story with a strong, independent woman.
• Cultural Impact: This character has redefined traditional fairy tales, highlighting resilience, intelligence, and compassion.

Usage Over Time

The name Danielle gained popularity in the mid-20th century and peaked during the 1980s and 1990s. The name has steadily remained a favorite, often ranking within the top 100 names for girls. According to the Social Security Administration, Danielle saw significant popularity from the late 1970s through the 1990s but has slightly declined since the early 2000s.

Pronunciation Guide

To pronounce Danielle correctly, accent the second syllable. It can vary as da-NEEL or dan-YEL depending on regional preferences.

Biblical Context

While Danielle itself is not mentioned in the Bible, it is the feminine form of Daniel, a strongly biblical figure. Daniel was a prophet known for his wisdom and his role as a judge in Ancient Babylon (Book of Daniel). The overarching theme of divine judgment and justice aligns with the meaning of Danielle.

Additional Unique Information

Numerology

The name Danielle is associated with the number 7, which signifies introspection, wisdom, and spirituality. This number indicates a person who seeks deeper truths and tends to be analytical and intellectual.

Variations

Daniella, Danni, Danica, Daniela

Cultural Variants

Danièle (French), Danijela (Serbo-Croatian), Daniela (Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Romanian), Danelie (Dutch)

Popular Decades

Danielle was particularly popular in the 1980s and ranked as one of the top names in that decade.

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Conclusion

Choosing the name Danielle for your child will endow her with a name rich in historical and cultural significance. It’s a name that echoes virtues of fairness, righteousness, and divine judgment, perfect for parents seeking a meaningful and timeless choice.