Daniel

Daniel is a masculine given name and a surname of Hebrew origin. It means, "God is my judge", and derives from two early biblical figures, primary among them Daniel from the Book of Daniel. It is a common given name for males, and is also used as a surname. It is also the basis for various derived given names and surnames.

Background

The name evolved into over 100 different spellings in countries around the world. Nicknames (Dan, Danny) are common in both English and Hebrew, although in some instances "Dan" may be a complete given name rather than a nickname. The name "Daniil" (Даниил) is common in Russia. Feminine versions (Danielle, Daniela, Daniella, Dani, Danitza) are prevalent as well. The Dutch names "Daan" and "Daniël" are also variations of Daniel. A related surname developed as a patronymic, Daniels. Other surnames derived from "Daniel" include McDaniel and Danielson.

In the United States, the U.S. Social Security Administration reports that Daniel has peaked as the fifth most popular name for newborns in 1985, 1990, 2007, and 2008. The U.S. Census Bureau reported that in the 2000 census, "Daniels" was the 182nd most common surname in the U.S., while "McDaniel" was ranked at 323, and "Daniel" (without a final "s") was ranked at 380.

Daniel Tupou

Daniel Tupou (born 17 June 1991) is an Australian professional rugby league footballer who currently plays for the Sydney Roosters in the National Rugby League. An Australian international and New South Wales State of Origin representative, he plays at wing and won the 2013 NRL Premiership with the Roosters.

Early years

Born in Sydney, New South Wales, Tupou played his junior football for the Berala Bears and Guildford Owls before being signed by the Parramatta Eels. Tupou played for the Eels' NYC team in 2010 and 2011, scoring 9 tries in 22 games, before being signed by the Sydney Roosters.

Playing career

2012

In Round 24 of the 2012 NRL season, Tupou made his NRL debut for the Sydney Roosters against the Canberra Raiders in the Roosters 24-20 loss at Canberra Stadium. In just his second game, Tupou scored 3 tries against the Wests Tigers in the Roosters 44-20 win at SFS. Tupou played in 3 matches and scored 3 tries for the Roosters in his debut year. On 12 September 2012, Tupou was named at Wing in the 2012 NSW Cup Team of the Year. On 30 September 2012, Tupou played for the Newtown Jets in their 2012 New South Wales Cup 22-16 Grand Final win over the Balmain Ryde-Eastwood Tigers.

Taniela Tupou

Taniela Tupou (or Daniel Tupou), is a Tongan rugby union player who grew up in Tonga, but now plays for Australian Super Rugby franchise, the Queensland Reds.

Tupou, became widely known as a schoolboy rugby player in early May 2014 while playing for Auckland’s Sacred Heart College First XV, when he became an internet sensation for his 3 tries against Kelston Boys High School. In August 2014, Taniela was given a deadline by the New Zealand Rugby Union to sign a loyalty agreement with the NZRU and therefore be eligible for its Schoolboys team. However, he did not sign the agreement, despite NZRU officials making special dispensation for Tupou to be named in the squad after initially being blocked because he only carried a Tongan passport.

It was announced that five French rugby clubs, one English club and New Zealand Super Rugby franchises Chiefs and Blues had tried to sign him, but Tupou's desire to play for the Wallabies lured him to Australia where his brother lives. At the time, only the Melbourne Rebels had filled their Super Rugby squad for the 2015 Super Rugby season, while the remaining four franchises had yet to make their squads official. It was believed that Tupou would sign with the New South Wales Waratahs, following head coach Michael Cheika commenting that he had said he had had an eye on Tupou well before he emerged on television with his three-try effort. But on the 12 September 2014, Tupou was officially named in the Queensland Reds squad for the 2015 season.