Danai

Danai is a term used as both a given name and an ancient ethnonym. As a feminine given name, it is used in Greece and among Greek communities abroad, and it has been adopted in various cultures through media and international naming trends. The modern usage of the name is typically independent of a specific myth or lineage.

In classical literature, Danai (Δαναοί) refers to the Danaans, the ancient Greek people described in Homeric poetry. The term is commonly translated in English as Danaans or Greeks and appears in epic narratives to designate the collective Greek forces and ancestors.

Notable people with the given name include Danai Gurira (born 1978), a Zimbabwean-American actress and playwright known for her work on stage and screen, including The Walking Dead and Black Panther. The name Danai also appears in contemporary fiction and media as a personal name for characters from various cultural backgrounds.

See also Danae, Danaoi, Danaan, and Danaos for related Greek ethnonyms and mythological connections.