Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1976 (SND Vol. X).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1958
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DAN, prop.n. As in Eng., pet form of Daniel; also of Andrew (Rxb. 1942 Zai; s.Sc. 1975), and more freq., esp. among Highlanders, of Donald (I., n.Sc., Per. 1975), with dim. forms Danie (Cai. 1902 J. Horne Canny Countryside 128; Per. 1915 Wilson L. Strathearn 164), Dawney, Daunie (Rnf. 1731 W. Hector Judicial Rec. (1878) 281, Edb. c.1780 D. Wilson Mem. Edb. (1848) II. 19), Danag(ie) (Cai. 1902 J. Horne Canny Countryside 128). Sc. usage: A nickname for a Roman Catholic (Gsw. 1975). Also Dannie boy, after the well-known song (wm.Sc. 1975).Gsw. 1958 C. Hanley Dancing in Streets 22:
A Billy or a Dan or an auld tin can?
[Familiar form of Daniel, a common name among Roman Catholic Irishmen.]
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"Dan prop. n.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 19 Dec 2025 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/snd00088593>
