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Daniel Moore in his backyard (July 2024). Photo by Vincent Ross
Danny Boy
Danny Boy
by Daniel Moore
I was shocked when I found out my name was Daniel. I know this may sound absurd. How could someone be surprised by their own name? Ever since I was born, I have gone by Danny, and I did not realize my actual name was Daniel until I started school. Daniel was the sixth most popular name in the United States when I was born (“Popularity of Daniel”). Given the popularity of my name, I always stuck with Danny to differentiate myself from the other Daniels in my grade. While I do not mind when people call me Daniel, I will always be more comfortable going by Danny. However, now that I am getting older, people have been asking me if I will start going by Daniel, as it is seen as the more “mature” version of my name. This question has made me reflect on the meaning of my name and how it will continue to influence my future.
The actual meaning of my name is “God is my Judge” (Baby Names Content Team). The name has many religious connections, as it is traced back to the Biblical figure Daniel. I have gone to Catholic schools my whole life, so being named after such an influential saint was inspiring. Every time we had to do a project, I jumped at the chance to write about Daniel. I was thrilled to learn about the man I shared a name with and enjoyed discovering more about someone I wished to live up to. Other people sometimes hate their names. For me, however, hearing my name everyday is something that I enjoy, as it serves as a reminder of my faith.
My Irish parents, particularly my mom, were originally drawn to the nickname because of its relation to the famous song Danny Boy. “Throughout the years, Danny Boy has been considered an unofficial anthem by Irish Americans” (“Danny Boy": The History and Lyrics). My parents named me Danny as a tribute to the song, hoping it would remind me of my Irish roots. Its themes of longing, connection, and love resonate deeply with me and have inspired me to pursue a career in nursing. Just as the song is often interpreted as a farewell or a message of love, I see my role in nursing as a way to extend that same love and care to others. I have always wanted to help others, not just because it feels good but because it is my way of giving back. I have been lucky to grow up with loving parents and a solid foundation. However, similar to the famous Spiderman quote, I believe that with great privilege comes great responsibility—a duty to give back and make a positive impact on the world. I am committed to using my talents to the best of my ability and to helping those who do not have the same privileges as I achieve the most they can in life. Regardless of where my future path leads, I carry with me the knowledge of who I am: a "Danny Boy."
Works Cited
Baby Names Content Team. “Danny.” Baby Name Meaning, Origin and Popularity, www.thebump.com/b/danny-baby-name. Accessed 8 Feb. 2025.
“‘Danny Boy’: The History and Lyrics.” Tabernacle Choir, Tabernacle Choir, 10 Nov. 2023, www.thetabernaclechoir.org/articles/the-history-of-danny-boy.html?lang=eng. “Popularity of Daniel.” U.S. SSA Baby Name Database. U.S. Social Security Administration, ssa.gov/cgi-bin/babyname.cgi. Accessed 17 Feb. 2025.
Ross, Vincent. Photo of Daniel Moore. 12 July 2024. Author's personal collection.
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