ダニエル
Your name
Danielle
in Japanese
The default way to write Danielle in Japanese is ダニエル — a phonetic katakana spelling that captures the sound and signals, instantly to a Japanese reader, that the name comes from elsewhere. But katakana is only one of three answers Japanese gives to a foreign name.
Below, we show all three. First the official katakana. Then a set of meaning kanji chosen to express what Danielle actually means at the root — From the Hebrew name Daniel (דָּנִיֵּאל), meaning 'God is my judge' — a name signifying divine justice, wisdom, and steadfast faith. Finally a set of ateji, the playful tradition where the kanji match the sound and tell their own small story underneath.
Katakana — Phonetic
How Danielle is most commonly written in Japanese — used on official documents, business cards, and signage.
Meaning Kanji — Etymology
"Danielle" means: From the Hebrew name Daniel (דָּנִיֵּאל), meaning 'God is my judge' — a name signifying divine justice, wisdom, and steadfast faith.
神裁
Shinsai
Together: 'divine judgment' — a direct rendering of the Hebrew meaning.
理智
Richi
Together: 'reasoned wisdom' — evoking the discerning judgment Daniel is known for.
信義
Shingi
Together: 'faithful righteousness' — capturing Daniel's unwavering devotion and just character.
Ateji — Sound + Meaning
Where the sound matches and the kanji tell their own small story. The Edo scholars and modern manga authors both played this game.
騨煙瑠
Da-ni-e-ru
A mystical image: a noble horse galloping through azure mist.
陀虹絵琉
Da-ni-e-ru
A dreamy scene: a rainbow painting set in jewels — playful and artistic.
暖仁愛琉
Dan-ni-e-ru
Together: 'a jewel of warm, loving benevolence' — a cute, heartwarming reading.
Not sure which form to use?
Katakana, meaning kanji, and ateji each belong to a different part of Japanese life — official paperwork, calligraphy and gifts, signatures and wordplay. Our full guide walks through when to reach for each one.
Read the guide: the three ways to write your name in Japanese →
Seven, drawn