Daniil is a Russian, Belarusian, and Greek form of the biblical name Daniel.EtymologyThe name ultimately derives from the Hebrew Daniyyel (דָּנִיֵּאל), meaning 'God is my judge', from the roots din ('to judge') and el ('God'). In the Bible, Daniel was a Hebrew prophet whose story is recounted in the Book of Daniel. He lived during the Jewish captivity in Babylon, rising to prominence by interpreting the king's dreams and receiving visions of the end times.Usage and VariantsDaniil (Russian: Даниил) is the standard Russian and Belarusian form, while Danil and Danila are common Russian variants. The diminutive Danya is frequently used as a familiar form. In Greek, Daniil (Δανιήλ) also appears as a masculine given name and, less commonly, as a surname.Cultural and Historical SignificanceThe Christian liturgical form in Russian is Danil, while Daniil reflects the Hebrew original. The name has strong religious associations in Eastern Orthodox traditions, owing to veneration of the prophet Daniel. It is widespread in Ukraine, Belarus, and Russia, and has been favorably perceived due to its biblical roots and classical sound.Notable BearersDaniil has been borne by many notable Russian figures, especially in the arts. Daniil Andreyev (1906–1959) was a writer and Christian mystic; Daniil Kharms (1905–1942) was a surrealist writer and poet; pianist Daniil Trifonov (born 1991) is internationally acclaimed; and Daniil Shafran (1923–1997) was a celebrated cellist. In religion, Daniil Sysoev (1974–2009) was a Russian Orthodox priest and popular preacher. The name also has non-Russian famous bearers, such as Daniil Sihastrul, a 15th-century Romanian Orthodox saint.Key FactsMeaning: God is my judgeOrigin: Hebrew, via Russian, Belarusian, and GreekType: First nameUsage Regions: Russia, Belarus, Greece, and other Eastern Orthodox cultures