How popular is the name Dana? Let’s delve into the fascinating world of this name, exploring its history, variations, and overall appeal.
Dana Name Popularity Through the Years
The name Dana has experienced ebbs and flows in popularity throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. Reviewing the Social Security Administration (SSA) data provides valuable insight.
| Year | Rank | # Births | % Births |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1910 | 900 | 5 | 0.0014% |
| 1940 | 432 | 201 | 0.0189% |
| 1950 | 248 | 900 | 0.0559% |
| 1960 | 141 | 3,082 | 0.1627% |
| 1970 | 54 | 6,402 | 0.4023% |
| 1980 | 68 | 4,437 | 0.3035% |
| 1990 | 114 | 2,926 | 0.1765% |
| 2000 | 312 | 985 | 0.0645% |
| 2010 | 460 | 614 | 0.0426% |
| 2020 | 1,053 | 181 | 0.0142% |
| 2023 | 964 | 220 | 0.017% |
As the data shows, Dana peaked in popularity in the 1960s and 1970s, reaching its highest rank in 1971 at number 44. Since then, its usage has generally declined, though it remains a recognizable and well-liked name. While the raw number of births peaked in 1971 with 6,929, the percentage of births was highest in 1971 at 0.4611%.
The Meaning and Origins of Dana
The name Dana has multiple origins and meanings, adding to its versatile appeal:
- English: Often considered a place name, referring to someone "from Denmark."
- Hebrew: Means "God is my judge".
- Slavic: Associated with the "morning star."
- Irish: While not a direct translation, some connect it to Irish names meaning "dark" or "swarthy," although this is less common.
- Sanskrit: In Sanskrit, Dhana means "wealthy".
This varied background gives parents flexibility in interpreting the name’s significance for their child.
Variations and Similar-Sounding Names
If you appreciate the sound and feel of Dana, consider these variations and names with similar qualities:
Variants of Dana:
| Name | Meaning | Origin | Other Gender |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daena | From Denmark | English | |
| Danaca | From Denmark; Morning star | Slavic | |
| Danah | From Denmark | English | |
| Danay | From Denmark | Greek | |
| Dane | From Denmark | English | Yes |
| Danet | From Denmark | English | |
| Daney | From Denmark; God is my Judge | Hebrew | |
| Dania | From Denmark; God is my Judge | Hebrew | |
| Danica | Morning Star; From Denmark | Slavic | |
| Danna | God is my Judge | English | |
| Danya | From Denmark; God is my Judge | Hebrew | Yes |
| Dayna | From Denmark | English | |
| Dayne | From Denmark | English | Yes |
| Donnica | From Denmark; Morning star; Lady | Slavic |
Names That Sound Like Dana:
| Name | Meaning | Origin |
|---|---|---|
| Dagna | New Day | Scandinavian |
| Dahna | Lady | Italian |
| Daina | God is my judge; Song; Melody | Hebrew |
| Danae | She Who Judges | Greek |
| Danea | (Meaning Unknown) | Greek |
| Dani | God is my Judge | Hebrew |
| Dany | God is my Judge | Hebrew |
| Dawna | The first appearance of light, daybreak | English |
| Deana | Valley; Church Leader; Divine | Latin |
| Dena | Valley | English |
| Dhana | Wealthy | Sanskrit |
| Diana | Heavenly and Divine | Latin |
| Dina | Decoration; Valley; Justified; Spear Ruler | Hebrew |
| Dona | Lady | Spanish |
| Duana | Dark, Swarthy | Irish |
| Duna | Dark, Swarthy | Irish |
| Dwana | Dark, Swarthy | Irish |
| Dyana | Divine | Latin |
| Dyna | Justified; Spear Ruler | Hebrew |
| Tana | (Meaning Unknown) | Russian |
Conclusion
Dana remains a timeless name choice. Its diverse origins, appealing sound, and historical popularity make it a strong contender for parents seeking a classic yet unique name for their daughter. Whether drawn to its association with Denmark, its Hebrew meaning, or simply its melodious sound, Dana offers a wealth of reasons to be cherished.
