Names That Mean Judge

Daniel is one of only a handful of male names that sounds both classic and modern, strong yet approachable, and popular but not cliched. It also has a solid Old Testament pedigree. The only real downside: There are about 10,000 Daniels named each year, making it a less than distinctive choice.

Along with Daniela, Michelle, Nicole, and Denise, Danielle was a big hit from the 1960s to the nineties, sitting comfortably in the Top 20 for several years. Parents then responded to its chic, sophisticated Gallic image, and though it has lost some of its sheen, it's still a widely used choice. Novelist Danielle Steele is its most well-known bearer; it's also the name of Elvis's granddaughter.

Actor Joaquin Phoenix (brother of River, Rain, Liberty and Summer) highlighted this one, then Kelly Ripa began talking about younger son Joaquin on her daily TV show, and presto—it's now one of the hottest and most appealing multicultural baby boy names.

As the song says, "Dinah, is there anyone finer?" Dinah is a charming, underused Old Testament name with a rich literary and musical resume.

So much more worldly than Danny.

Often stands alone in Israel, but rarely here.

Makes a Biblical favorite new and interesting.

While Daniel is the usual male form of this usually male Biblical name, it's a Top 100 name for girls in Israel. In most cultures, Daniel is feminized to Denielle or Daniela when used as a girls' name. There were 11 baby girls named Daniel in the US last year, so it's use is not unheard of beyond Israel.

Familiar as a Latin surname but has potential as a first.

In the Old Testament, Abidan was indeed a judge, head of the tribe of Benjamin and a leader at the time of the Exodus. Dan and Ab could work as nicknames. In 2015, there were only five boys in the US given the name.

Dania is a fun, offbeat name with international flair.

Dan with a little something extra.

Finnish form of Daniel

Israeli spin on Danielle is rarely heard here.

Also spelled Kazi, a cool and punchy sounding Arabic name.