Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Dani
GirlHebrew, English· “God is my judge”
- Meaning
- God is my judge
- Origin
- Hebrew, English
- Pronunciation
- DA-nee
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #747
- US babies 2025
- 364
- Best rank
- #674 (2022)
- Peak year
- 2022
Meaning and origin of Dani
Dani is a Hebrew and English name that is usually said to mean “God is my judge”.
Dani is a short form of Daniela, Danielle or Daniel, all of which come from the Hebrew Daniel, meaning God is my judge. The prophet Daniel, known for the story of the lions' den, is the source of the whole family of names. Dani is used for both girls and boys in many languages, including Spanish, Hebrew and English. As an independent name it is casual, bright and friendly. Pronunciations vary between DA-nee and DAH-nee. If you would like a fuller name, Daniela or Danielle both lead naturally to Dani.
Other spellings with the same sound: Donnie, Donny.
Popularity over time
Dani first appears in US Social Security records in 1942. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 11 different years, starting in 1956. Its best national rank was #674 in 2022, the same year it reached its highest count of 432 babies. In 2025, 364 babies were named Dani, and it ranked #747 nationally. That is 40% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #2,684 in 1950, #1,409 in 1980, #1,793 in 2000, #1,318 in 2010, and #747 in 2025. Of the 10,339 US girls named Dani since records began, 24% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 2,306 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Zendaya, Taytum, Kaeli, Adalee, and Persephone.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Dani ranked highest in Mississippi, West Virginia, and Louisiana.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi | #204 | 13 |
| West Virginia | #209 | 8 |
| Louisiana | #228 | 19 |
| Kentucky | #343 | 13 |
| Oklahoma | #351 | 12 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 91% of US babies named Dani over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
Dani is usually pronounced DA-nee, with two syllables. It has four letters, starts with D and ends in “-ni”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Donnie and Donny.
Middle names for Dani
A few middle names that flow with Dani: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Dani
Similar names
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DA-nee
“pet form of Danielle, God is my judge” · English
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Libby Girl
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Harmoni Girl
HAHR-muh-nee
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Lists that include Dani
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Dani mean?
Dani is a Hebrew and English name that is usually said to mean “God is my judge”.
What is the origin of the name Dani?
Dani has Hebrew and English roots. Dani is a short form of Daniela, Danielle or Daniel, all of which come from the Hebrew Daniel, meaning God is my judge.
Is Dani a popular name?
Yes. Dani ranked #747 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Dani a boy or girl name?
Dani is mainly a girl's name. About 91% of US babies named Dani over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
How do you pronounce Dani?
Dani is usually pronounced DA-nee. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings