Dana
Dana: name meaning, origin and popularity
Pronunciation (IPA): /ΛdΙΛnΙ/ Β· /ΛdeΙͺ.nΙ/
Meaning and origin of Dana
- A unisex given name transferred from the surname, originally given in honor of Richard Henry Dana Jr.
- A female given name,
Etymology
Of uncertain origin. Possibly from Dawnay, or else an altered form of Dan or Daniel.
How popular is Dana?
Since 1880, 193,555 girls and 53,287 boys in the U.S. have been named Dana (78% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #44 in 1971. Its highest rank for boys was #165 in 1954. In 2025, 269 babies were given the name, outside the top 1,000.
Names similar to Dana
Names that start with the same letters, most popular first.
More Surname unisex names
Sibling name ideas for Dana
Sister and brother names that share Dana's Surname roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.
Dana FAQ
What does the name Dana mean?
A unisex given name transferred from the surname, originally given in honor of Richard Henry Dana Jr. A female given name, Of uncertain origin. Possibly from Dawnay, or else an altered form of Dan or Daniel.
What is the origin of the name Dana?
Dana is listed as a name of Surname (transferred from a surname) origin.
How popular is the name Dana?
Since 1880, 193,555 girls and 53,287 boys in the U.S. have been named Dana (78% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #44 in 1971. Its highest rank for boys was #165 in 1954. In 2025, 269 babies were given the name, outside the top 1,000.
Is Dana a boy or girl name?
Dana is used for both boys and girls in the U.S. (193,555 girls and 53,287 boys since 1880).
Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880β2025 (names given to 5+ babies per year). Origin and etymology text: Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.