Danylo is a Ukrainian masculine given name of ancient origin and rich historical significance. The name is derived from the Old Slavic element "danil," which means "God is my judge." This element is formed by combining the Slavic words for "god" (bog) and "judge" (soudja). The name Danylo can also be traced back to the ancient city-state of Danilovgrad, located in modern-day Montenegro. This city was founded by the Serbian ruler Stefan Nemanja in the 12th century and named after his son, Danilo.
In Ukraine, the name Danylo is particularly notable due to its association with several prominent historical figures. One of the most famous bearers of this name is Danylo Halytskyi (also known as Daniel of Galicia), who ruled the Kingdom of Galicia-Volhynia in the 13th century. During his reign, Danylo expanded the territory of his kingdom and successfully defended it against invasions from other powerful neighboring states.
The name Danylo has also been used by several Ukrainian saints and martyrs throughout history. One such example is Saint Danylo of Chernihiv, a bishop who was martyred in the 13th century during the Mongol invasion of Rus'. Despite his suffering, Saint Danylo remained steadfast in his faith and is now venerated as a patron saint of Ukraine.
In modern times, the name Danylo continues to be popular among Ukrainian families. It has also gained recognition internationally due to its association with notable individuals such as Daniel Koski-Tamminen, a Finnish chess grandmaster whose first name is Danylo in honor of his Ukrainian heritage. Overall, the name Danylo carries a strong sense of history and cultural significance, reflecting the rich traditions and achievements of the Ukrainian people.
The name Danylo has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past decade, with a noticeable spike in recent years. From 2016 onwards, there's been a steady rise in the number of babies named Danylo each year, reaching an all-time high of 19 births in 2023.