Dan
Boy name · 53 babies recorded · 1974–2025
Dan: 53 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to boys, peaking at 7 births in 2006.
A crisp, one-syllable name with deep biblical roots, Dan is the traditional short form of Daniel, from the Hebrew *Daniyyel* meaning “God is my judge.” In the Old Testament, Dan was one of Jacob’s twelve sons, founding the tribe of Dan. Famous bearers include bestselling author Dan Brown (*The Da Vinci Code*) and actor Dan Aykroyd of *Ghostbusters* fame. While Dan has no direct Scottish place namesakes, the name’s enduring popularity as a standalone choice in Scotland mirrors its global appeal—easy to spell, pronounce, and instantly recognisable. A classic nickname turned given name, Dan remains a favoured option for parents seeking a straightforward, timeless alternative to the longer Daniel.
Boy 13 of 52 years
- Peak year
- 20067 babies
- Latest (2024)
- #7273 babies
- Total births
- 53since 1998
- 5-year trend
- ▼ 36%vs prior 5y