Danica
- Meaning
- Morning star; Venus
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What does Danica mean?
Danica means “Morning star; Venus”.
Danica comes from a Slavic word for the morning star, referring to Venus when it is visible before sunrise. The name also appears in folklore as a personification of that celestial light. Despite its opening letters, it is not a form of Daniel or Daniela and does not share their Hebrew meaning.
In several Slavic languages the c has a ts-like sound, while English usage often has a k sound. Danika makes that latter pronunciation more explicit in writing. Actor and mathematician Danica McKellar and racing driver Danica Patrick are recognizable bearers in the United States. These associations add modern context to a name whose original story is celestial and linguistic.
Nicknames & variations
Explore short forms, spellings, and related names.
Nicknames for Danica
Short forms for everyday use.
Variations & related forms
Related forms and spellings recorded for this name.
How popular is Danica?
United States · 2025Explore how often Danica is used and how its ranking has changed.
- US girls rank
- #1,634 2025 · #1 is most popular
- Girls named Danica
- 127 Recorded births in 2025
- Change in births
- 7.3% Fewer than 2024
Danica over time
United States · Girls
Recorded births
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Yearly data & usage
Rankings are calculated separately for girls and boys. The summary highlights girls, the most common recorded usage in 2025.
| Year | Usage | US rank | Births |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Girls | #1,634 | 127 |
| 2024 | Girls | #1,554 | 137 |
| 2023 | Girls | #1,534 | 139 |
| 2022 | Girls | #1,309 | 180 |
| 2021 | Girls | #1,075 | 233 |
| 2020 | Girls | #1,158 | 203 |
| 2019 | Girls | #1,097 | 226 |
| 2018 | Girls | #995 | 263 |
| 2017 | Girls | #871 | 314 |
| 2016 | Girls | #867 | 325 |
| 2015 | Girls | #708 | 403 |
| 2014 | Girls | #558 | 553 |
Years reflect available birth records. Missing records do not mean zero births.
Names like Danica
Explore the connection, then save your favorites to compare.
Dani
Mostly girls- Meaning
- God is my judge, through Daniel
Listed as a related name to Danica.
Jana
Mostly girls- Meaning
- God is gracious, through Jan and John
Shares an origin with Danica.
Katarina
Mostly girls- Meaning
- Traditionally associated with pure
Shares an origin with Danica.
Karmen
Mostly girls- Meaning
- Garden through Carmel; also associated with song
Shares an origin with Danica.
Marin
Unisex- Meaning
- Of the sea
Shares an origin with Danica.
Malina
Mostly girls- Meaning
- Raspberry in Slavic languages; a Malcolm form in Scottish usage
Shares an origin with Danica.
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