Dakota Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Dakota originates from the Sioux language meaning 'friends' or 'allies.' It has evolved through variations such as Dakhota and Dakotah. The name reflects traits of friendship and community. It does not have biblical relevance. Dakota gained popularity in the late 20th century, representing Native American heritage. Notable individuals bearing the name include Dakota Fanning and Dakota Johnson.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Dakota"
Pronunciation
/dəˈkoʊtə/
Origin
Sioux
Etymology
The name Dakota comes from the Sioux language, meaning 'allies' or 'friends.' It is derived from the Dakota tribe, one of the three major divisions of the Sioux Nation.
Meaning
friends, allies
Language Evolution
Dakota, Dakhota, Dakotah
Historical Usage
Dakota gained popularity in the United States in the late 20th century as a name representing Native American heritage and culture.
Variants & Derivatives
Dakotah, Kota, Dakota Lee
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, Dakota is perceived as a name that evokes a sense of nature, freedom, and cultural pride, often associated with the American Midwest.
Famous People
Dakota Fanning, Dakota Johnson
📊 Dakota Name Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Dakota Name Visualizations
✨ Dakota Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 7,700 peak births in 1995
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Nevada
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 10 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Same Pronunciation Names for "Dakota" - Complete Guide (7 Names)
Discover the ultimate list of homophone names and same pronunciation names that sound identical to "Dakota". These names share the same pronunciation but may have different spellings, offering alternative options for parents seeking similar-sounding names. Whether you're looking for American or British pronunciation variations, this comprehensive guide includes 7 carefully curated names that maintain the same phonetic sound.
Why explore same pronunciation names? Many parents search for homophone names to find alternative spellings that might be more unique or culturally significant. This ultimate list covers both American and British pronunciation patterns, ensuring you find the perfect variation of "Dakota" that fits your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Dakota"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Dakota"
"Dakota" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 2581st of 10718 | 230 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 148th of 16616 | 32,911 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 133rd of 24088 | 47,471 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 349th of 23106 | 11,408 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 7365th of 9107 | 14 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 5964th of 12526 | 77 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 5505th of 19264 | 147 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 572nd of 27321 | 6,109 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 270th of 35406 | 19,236 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 260th of 30306 | 14,827 |
Regional Popularity of "Dakota" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - |
60.55% 2130th/3518 |
50.91% 2059th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
3.04% 112th/3685 |
4.78% 214th/4475 |
2.54% 132nd/5194 |
3.25% 205th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
2.20% 101st/4582 |
3.06% 158th/5164 |
1.60% 117th/7313 |
2.93% 219th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
7.81% 311th/3984 |
11.21% 503rd/4487 |
4.37% 298th/6822 |
7.43% 466th/6276 |
Regional Popularity of "Dakota" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- |
100.00% 2430th/2430 |
- | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
13.08% 482nd/3685 |
15.28% 684th/4475 |
9.93% 516th/5194 |
9.61% 607th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
5.11% 234th/4582 |
5.67% 293rd/5164 |
3.58% 262nd/7313 |
4.19% 313th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
6.00% 239th/3984 |
6.35% 285th/4487 |
3.27% 223rd/6822 |
5.19% 326th/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity of "Dakota"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Dakota" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends of "Dakota" in the United States
The name Dakota is most popular in Nevada, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) generation in the MidWest region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been gradually declining. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Dakota has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, too falling for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, too falling for female in South, too falling for male in West, too falling for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been falling for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, falling for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, too rising for male in South, stalled for female in South, falling for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Dakota' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 2581st out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 148th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 133rd out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 349th out of 23106 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 7365th out of 9107 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 5964th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 5505th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 572nd out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 270th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 260th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Dakota' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.