Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Dane

Historically, Dane is the transferred use of an Anglo-Saxon surname originating as a topographical name from the Olde English “denu” meaning ‘valley’ to indicate a person who dwelled in a valley. The surname Dean is derived from the same place but a different English dialect transformed it into Dane. The first recorded spelling of this surname came in the 14th century and was rendered as “Danne”. Alternately, Dane could also indicate a Danish person hailing from Denmark (just as Hamlet was referred to as “The Dane”). The Danes are a North Germanic tribe dating back to ancient time and who began invading and settling in England around the 9th century. In fact, in the early 11th century King Canute ruled both Denmark and England as a single realm for almost 20 years. As a given name, Dane is relatively modern. It cropped up in the United States in the latter half of the 20th century.

All About the Baby Name – Dane

Personality

OF THE BOY NAME DANE

Romance is the hallmark of the Six personality. They exude nurturing, loving, and caring energy. Sixes are in love with the idea of love in its idealized form - and with their magnetic personalities, they easily draw people toward them. Like the number Two personality, they seek balance and harmony in their life and the world at large. They are conscientious and service-oriented, and a champion for the underdog. These personalities naturally attract money and are usually surrounded by lovely material objects - but their human relationships are always primary. They thrive in giving back to others rather than being motivated by their own desires. This is when they achieve great things. Sixes are natural teachers, ministers and counselors.

Popularity

OF THE BOY NAME DANE

Dane made his debut on the American male popularity charts in 1945. The name ascended to low-moderate levels of usage over the course of its history in the United States, but never really managed anything above temperance. The name’s peak popularity came during the 1980s, but it was still only lightly used. A popular novel called “The Thorn Birds” featuring a character name Dane O’Neill was published in 1977 and seems to have influenced the name’s increased usage around that time. Today, the name remains at levels where it’s still considered familiar but not even bestowed upon 700 baby boys each year. Dane is a great name for people who appreciate their Danish heritage; otherwise, it is a somewhat plain-sounding name (like Dean). Dane is a great alternative to the androgynous sounding Dana. It’s a simple, straight-forward, one-syllable, confident name. It also makes us think of Great Danes, the “gentle giant” breed of dogs.

Quick Facts

ON DANE

GENDER:

Boy

ORIGIN:

English

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

1

RANKING POPULARITY:

551

PRONUNCIATION:

DAYN

SIMPLE MEANING:

Dweller in the valley; from Denmark

Characteristics

OF DANE

Humanitarian

Community-minded

Family-oriented

Loving

Affectionate

Compassionate

Sensitive

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Dane

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME DANE

Dane O’Neill is the son born of the love affair between a young married woman and a Catholic priest, in Colleen McCullough’s 1977 blockbuster, The Thorn Birds, which was also made into a musical and a hugely successful television mini-series. Beloved of his mother and unknown as his own son to his father, Dane unconsciously follows in that father’s footsteps and studies for the priesthood under that very father’s mentorship. Upon becoming a priest, he is on vacation in Greece when he drowns saving two women. Upon learning of his son’s identity, the priest himself dies after Dane’s funeral. All that drama for such a beautiful person and equally beautiful name! We hope that your Dane breaks the curse and gets the style of life that this name deserves!

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME DANE

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Dane


Popular Songs

ON DANE

We cannot find any popular or well-known songs with the name of Dane


Famous People

NAMED DANE

Dane Cook (comic)

Children of Famous People

NAMED DANE

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Dane

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME DANE

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Dane