Daniel written in Chinese
丹尼尔 is the standard Chinese transliteration used for foreign people in media, subtitles, and dictionaries, but it sounds clearly like a borrowed Western name rather than a natural Chinese given name.
3 real Chinese names for Daniel
These are given names (the part after the family name) that echo the sound of Daniel and read naturally to Chinese speakers.
1 · classic
Dáníng
“achieving peace and steadiness”
达宁 echoes the opening sound of Daniel quite closely, especially the strong “Da-” and soft “-ni-” feel.
2 · warm
Dé'ān
“virtue and inner peace”
德安 picks up the D sound and the “an” in Daniel, giving a familiar echo without sounding transliterated.
3 · modern
Dānyǔ
“sincere heart, broad horizons”
丹宇 keeps the clear “Dan-” opening of Daniel while ending in a smooth, natural Chinese name sound.
A nickname friends might use
阿丹 Ādān: a friendly, familiar Dan.
Add a Chinese family name
A full Chinese name puts the family name first: for example 李达宁 (Lǐ Dáníng). Many people choose a Chinese surname that sounds like their own last name, and a given name that carries the element their birth chart lacks.
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Get my free Chinese profile →About the name Daniel
Daniel is a Hebrew name meaning “God is my judge,” long associated with wisdom, integrity, and calm strength.
Frequently asked questions
How do you say Daniel in Chinese?
The standard transliteration is 丹尼尔, pronounced Dānní'ěr. 丹尼尔 is the standard Chinese transliteration used for foreign people in media, subtitles, and dictionaries, but it sounds clearly like a borrowed Western name rather than a natural Chinese given name.
What is a good Chinese name for Daniel?
Natural options that echo the sound of Daniel: 达宁 (Dáníng, “achieving peace and steadiness”); 德安 (Dé'ān, “virtue and inner peace”); 丹宇 (Dānyǔ, “sincere heart, broad horizons”). In a full Chinese name the family name comes first, followed by one of these given names.
How do you write Daniel in Chinese characters?
As a transliteration: 丹尼尔. As a real Chinese given name: for example 达宁 (达 = attain, broad-minded, 宁 = calm, peaceful).
Can I use 丹尼尔 as my Chinese name?
You can, but Chinese speakers will read it as a foreign name. Most people who live, study or work with Chinese speakers prefer a short name with a Chinese family name and a meaningful given name.
More boys’ names starting with D
Damian · David · Declan · Dominic · Dylan
Pinyin generated from the characters; tones shown with marks. Updated 2026-11-05.