Danaus Name Meaning & Details
Origin, Popularity, Numerology Analysis & Name Meaning of Danaus
Discover the origin, meaning, and cultural significance of the name DANAUS. Delve into its historical roots and explore the lasting impact it has had on communities and traditions.
Name
Danaus
Gender
Male
Origin
Greek
Lucky Number
6
Meaning of the Name
Danaus is the name of a mythological Greek king, father of the fifty Danaides. The name is associated with leadership, migration, and the founding of new civilizations in Greek tradition.
Complete Numerology Analysis
Your Numerology Number
Based on Pythagorean Numerology System
Ruling Planet
Venus
Positive Nature
Harmonious, responsible, caring, and artistic.
Negative Traits
Overly idealistic, superficial, possessive, or jealous.
Lucky Colours
Pink, turquoise.
Lucky Days
Friday.
Lucky Stones
Diamond, turquoise.
Harmony Numbers
2, 3, 9.
Best Suited Professions
Artists, musicians, teachers, healthcare workers.
What People Like About You
Warmth, nurturing nature, artistic flair.
Famous People Named Danaus
Danaus of Egypt
Mythological King
Legendary founder of the Danaans, father of the fifty Danaides
Danaus Plexippus
Scientific Classification
Genus name for monarch butterflies established by Linnaeus
Danaus the Navigator
Mythical Explorer
Credited with establishing Mediterranean sea routes in mythology
Name Variations & International Equivalents
Click on blue names to explore their detailed meanings. Gray names with will be available soon.
Cultural & Historical Significance
The cultural impact of Danaus extends beyond mythology into the very identity of the Greek people. The term 'Danaans' became synonymous with Greeks in Homer's Iliad, suggesting how deeply this mythological lineage was woven into Greek self-understanding. The punishment of his daughters in the underworld—forever carrying water in leaky vessels—became proverbial for futile labor, influencing Western literature and philosophy. This enduring cultural presence demonstrates how Danaus represents not just an individual mythological figure but a complex symbol of migration, cultural foundation, and the moral ambiguities of leadership and protection.
Extended Personality Analysis
Individuals bearing the name Danaus are often characterized by strong leadership qualities combined with a deeply protective, almost paternalistic nature. They tend to be strategic thinkers who plan carefully for the future, much like the mythological king who orchestrated his daughters' escape from Egypt. Their decision-making is typically methodical and foresighted, though they can become rigid or controlling when they perceive threats to those under their care. This protective instinct, while stemming from genuine concern, may sometimes manifest as overbearing behavior or an unwillingness to trust others' judgment, reflecting the complex legacy of the original Danaus who took extreme measures to protect his daughters.
Despite these potential challenges, people named Danaus usually possess remarkable resilience and adaptability. They excel in navigating difficult transitions and can guide others through turbulent times with practical wisdom and resourcefulness. Their strength lies in their ability to establish order and security in uncertain circumstances, making them natural leaders in times of crisis. However, they must guard against the tendency to impose their will too forcefully or to see compromise as weakness. The balance between protective leadership and respecting others' autonomy represents the central psychological challenge for those carrying this name with its rich mythological heritage.
Modern Usage & Popularity
In contemporary times, the name Danaus remains exceptionally rare and is primarily encountered in academic, literary, or highly specialized contexts. Its usage is almost exclusively limited to families with strong classical education backgrounds or particular interest in Greek mythology. The name has never achieved mainstream popularity and doesn't appear in modern baby name databases or popularity charts. Its most common modern appearance is in scientific contexts, particularly as the genus name for monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus), where it honors the mythological figure's association with migration and transformation. The name's connection to the tragic Danaides myth, involving mass murder and eternal punishment, likely contributes to its limited appeal for modern parents, though it occasionally surfaces in creative writing, historical fiction, and scholarly works exploring classical themes and their contemporary relevance.
Symbolic & Spiritual Meanings
The name Danaus carries rich symbolic weight as an emblem of migration, cultural transition, and the founding of new civilizations. It represents the archetype of the refugee leader who must navigate between preserving tradition and adapting to new circumstances. Symbolically, Danaus embodies the paradox of protection turning into control, as his fierce guardianship of his daughters ultimately leads to tragic consequences. The name also connects deeply to water symbolism—both through his sea journey from Egypt and his daughters' eternal water-carrying punishment—making it representative of purification, transition, and the flow of cultural identity across geographical boundaries. This complex symbolism positions Danaus as a figure of both foundation and warning, reminding us of the delicate balance between protection and autonomy, between establishing new beginnings and repeating old patterns of conflict and control.