Danielson is an English patronymic surname meaning "son of Daniel". It derives from the given name Daniel (from Hebrew דָּנִיֵּאל (Daniyyel) meaning "God is my judge") combined with the common English suffix -son to indicate paternity or descent. This surname formation pattern, where -son is added to a father's given name, was especially prevalent in England and throughout Scandinavia, resulting in cognate surnames such as Danielsen in Norwegian.Etymology and OriginThe foundational name Daniel itself has deep biblical roots, borne by the Hebrew prophet whose story is told in the Book of Daniel. He lived during the Jewish captivity in Babylon, where he served in the court of the king and rose to prominence by interpreting his dreams. The name's meaning, "God is my judge," reflects the trust and righteousness attributed to the prophet. Due to the popularity of the biblical figure, the name Daniel spread throughout Christian Europe, but faded in use during the late Middle Ages before being revived after the Protestant Reformation.Surnames based on Daniel developed across Europe in various forms: the Daniels (simple patronymic or possessive), Daniell (double-l spelling), Dannel, and the patronymic forms Danielson (English and Scandinavian), Danielsen (specifically Norwegian and Danish).Distribution and IncidenceAccording to the 2010 United States Census, Danielson is the 2,808th most common surname in the United States, an incidence that corresponds to an estimated 12,833 individuals. The surname is overwhelmingly characterized as White (93.25% of bearers). Within the United States, Danielsons are most heavily concentrated in the Midwest and West Coast, reflecting broad patterns of Scandinavian and English immigration.Notable BearersJames A. Danielson (1854–1944), an American politician who served in the Michigan House of Representatives.John Danielson, a historic figure associated with the naming of Danielson, Connecticut, a small town in Windham CountyLibby Danielson, a woman missing from the same area—highlighting modern local family notorietyVariantsAs noted, potential variant forms of the surname include:Danell (simplifed form)Dannel (variant with double-'n')Daniels (genitive patronymic, meaning 'of himself Daniel's family')Meaning: Son of DanielOrigin: EnglishType: Patronymic surnameUsage regions: English-speaking world, especially United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia