Most people are familiar with the Biblical story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego
It’s funny that some people in the Bible are referred to by their Hebrew names, and others by their Greek or Babylonian names. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego are the false-god-honoring Babylonian names given to three Jewish captives: Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, respectively.
Meanwhile, Daniel (in whose book these men appear) is known primarily by his Hebrew name, Daniel, instead of his Babylonian name Belteshazzar.
Daniel means ‘God is my judge.’ While my given name is Daniel, I have gone by Dan for most of my adult life. It’s much more concise.
However, in changing my name, I have changed its meaning as well: by removing El (God), I am left only with Dan, which means ‘judge.’
I’m sure that after I am famous someone will read something into this, but the truth, as usual, is more boring: it just sounds cooler.
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