Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Danica

Danica is an Eastern European female name (pronounced DAH-nee-tza). In Slavic mythology, Danica was the “daystar” and the younger sister of the Sun. She was revered among the Slavs in their ancient polytheistic religions prior to the arrival of Christianity. Danica was one of the guardian goddesses who guarded over Simargl, a dog-like creature chained to the star Polaris to prevent him from consuming the constellation and putting an end to the universe. Each morning, Danica – the Morning Star – opened the gates to the Sun’s palace to release the deity across the sky and would then close the gates behind him upon return at night. The ancient Slavs prayed to her each morning at daybreak. Danica was often portrayed as a warrior goddess and a protector. In some accounts, Danica, along with her counterpart (the Evening Star), married the moon god and gave birth to all of the stars. In an alternate meaning, the simple Latin pronunciation (DAN-ә-ka) means “Danish” (and therefore the feminine equivalent to Dane).

All About the Baby Name – Danica

Personality

OF THE GIRL NAME DANICA

The number Five personality loves the excitement of life and can easily adapt to all situations. As natural adventurers, these personalities thrive on the new and unexpected and prefer to be in constant motion. It makes them feel alive. They'll stir up some action if there's not enough around, and as inherent risk-takers they enjoy pushing the envelope. Naturally rebellious, the Five personality has no fear and never resists change.  Traveling and new experiences feed their souls. Fives are very social and attract friends with ease. People love to be around the Five fun-loving and exciting energy.  This is also a lucky number in numerology (like the Threes), so fortune seems to shine on them, helped along by their own optimism and good-nature. Fives have a quick wit, a cerebral mind, and are generally very persuasive. 

Popularity

OF THE GIRL NAME DANICA

Danica’s morning star began to shine in 1977, the first time the name appeared on the U.S. female naming charts. The name languished at low levels of popularity and then completely fell off the charts in 1996. It appeared that this star was fading forever. But wait. Enter 2005: the year when Danica came speeding back into the American consciousness all thanks to racecar driver Danica Patrick. This pint-sized speed demon won the IndyCar Rookie of the Year award in 2005 and instantly became a media darling. As the most successful female in the history of car racing, Danica also became a role model for young girls everywhere. It appears she alone helped influence the popularity of her somewhat unusual name. While the name has not gone higher than #307 on the charts (2007), Danica has had an impressive ride nonetheless. In the past few years, the name has waned some in popularity but its uniqueness remains intact. Danica (like Erica) is a strong sounding name full of purpose and passion. It’s a name to put on your list if you already like Daniela, Danielle or Dana.

Quick Facts

ON DANICA

GENDER:

Girl

ORIGIN:

Slavic

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

3

RANKING POPULARITY:

555

PRONUNCIATION:

DA-nә-ka, DAH-nee-tza

SIMPLE MEANING:

Morning star

Characteristics

OF DANICA

Freedom-loving

Adventurous

Adaptable

Intellectual

Easygoing

Progressive

Sensual

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Danica

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME DANICA

We cannot find any significant literary characters by the name of Danica

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME DANICA

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Danica


Popular Songs

ON DANICA

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


Famous People

NAMED DANICA

Danica Patrick (racecar driver)
Danica McKellar (actress)

Children of Famous People

NAMED DANICA

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

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME DANICA

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