Danielskuil was originally a Griqua settlement, established in 1820. This Griqua clan was led by Barend Barends, an ordained pastor of the London Missionary Society. It combined Griqua, Tswana, San and Koranna community members, consisting of farmers and villagers. 

The name "Danielskuil" probably derived from Daniel Pienaar, one of the local Griqua notables. However, it also reminds us of "Daniel se Kuil", or "Daniel in the Lion's Den", in the Bible. The name was catchy and has survived for 200 years.

Before 1820, the site was often used by San (Bushmen), Koranna and Tswana, because of the numerous strong fountains. The Tswana called it "Tlaka-la-Tlou", or "The Elephant in the Reeds". It may have received its name from a hunting expedition when an elephant was found in the reeds around the fountains. Today, the black residential area in Danielskuil is called Tlakalatlou.