Danilo

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Fact sheet

Name
Danilo
Gender
Boy name
Syllables
3

Danilo is a male first name that is common in both Italian and Slavic cultures and is considered a variant of the biblical name Daniel. The direct translation is 'God be my judge' or 'God is my judge'.

What does the name Danilo mean?

The name Danilo, an Italian and Slavic variant of the biblical Daniel, carries the meaning 'God be my judge' or 'God is my judge'. Its roots trace back to ancient Hebrew, where the elements dan (דָּן) meaning 'the judge' or 'to judge' and el (אֵל) meaning 'the mighty one' or 'God' are combined. In the Bible, Daniel is a significant prophet. Danilo is found in over 100 different spellings worldwide and made its way to Germany in the 1960s. The name is particularly popular in Serbian, Bulgarian, Italian, Croatian, and Macedonian regions, but it is also well-liked in Portugal and Spain. Additionally, Danilo is a traditional princely name in Serbia and Montenegro (Car Danilo, Danilovgrad = City of Danilo in Montenegro). Variants of the name include Danilkow and Danilow, while Nilo is used as a short form. Female forms include Danila and Daniela.

Where does the name Danilo come from?

The origin of the name Danilo is ancient Hebrew and means 'God be my judge' or 'God is my judge'. The name consists of the Hebrew terms dan, which means 'the judge', 'to judge', or 'to decide', and el, which means 'the mighty one' or 'God'. It is widespread in several languages, including Bulgarian, Italian, Croatian, Macedonian, Portuguese, Serbian, Slavic, Slovenian, Spanish, South Slavic, and Ukrainian.

How do you pronounce Danilo?

The sound and pronunciation of Danilo are soft and flowing, consisting of three syllables. The name is usually pronounced as 'Da-ni-lo' [daˈniːlo], starting with an open A sound that conveys a pleasant warmth. The middle syllable is pronounced long and stressed, while the ending '-lo' provides a harmonious conclusion. Overall, Danilo sounds melodic and modern, with a dynamic and southern timbre.

When is the name day of Danilo?

The name day of Danilo is celebrated on July 21.

Popularity

In Germany, Danilo is a highly sought-after first name, currently ranking 455th on the list of the most common male baby names. Its best placement was in 1989 at rank 141. In the last ten years, Danilo has been given as a first name approximately 1,400 times, placing it 433rd in the ten-year statistics. From 2010 to 2024, it ranks 446th.

Nicknames & pet names

Dani / Danilka / Danilone / Danilotschka / Daninosaurier / Danitschka / Danni / Danül / Dača / Denni / Dink / Dänu / Nilo / Nilochen

Similar first names

Famous people

  • Danilo Alvim (footballer from Brazil)
  • Danilo Andusic (basketball player from Serbia)
  • Danilo Aparecido Da Silva (Brazilian footballer)
  • Danilo Cataldi (footballer from Italy)
  • Danilo Caymmi (musician from Brazil)
  • Danilo Di Vincenzo (footballer from Italy)
  • Danilo Duvnjak (Austrian footballer)
  • Danilo Fernandes Batista (Brazilian footballer)
  • Danilo Gallinari (NBA basketball player from Italy)
  • Danilo Häußler (boxer)
  • Danilo Heredia (cyclist from Venezuela)
  • Danilo Hondo (cyclist)
  • Danilo Ikodinovic (Serbian water polo player)
  • Danilo Kis (Yugoslav writer)
  • Danilo Kunze (German footballer)
  • Danilo Larangera (Brazilian footballer)
  • Danilo Lazovic (American actor)
  • Danilo Leon (Venezuelan baseball player)
  • Danilo Lopez (Nicaraguan poet)
  • Danilo Marcelino (tennis player from Brazil)

Frequently asked questions about the name Danilo

What is the origin of the name Danilo?

Danilo has its roots in ancient Hebrew and means 'God be my judge' or 'God is my judge'. The name is widespread in several languages and has various regional variants.

Are there suitable nicknames for Danilo?

Yes, some popular nicknames for Danilo are Danni, Nilo, and Dani. There are also creative variants like Danilone or Daninosaur.

In which countries is the name Danilo popular?

Danilo is particularly popular in countries like Serbia, Bulgaria, Italy, Croatia, and Macedonia. It is also well-liked in Portugal and Spain.

How is the name Danilo pronounced?

Danilo is generally pronounced as 'Da-ni-lo'. The emphasis is usually on the first syllable.

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