Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Dana has its roots in Hebrew, meaning 'judge' or 'to judge', and also connects to Celtic origins suggesting wisdom. The name evolved from 'Dan' to 'Dana'. It does not have a direct biblical reference as a standalone name, but it relates to biblical heritage through its derivation. Dana is recognized for its unisex appeal and has gained popularity in the 20th century, associated with notable figures in various fields.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈdeɪ.nə/
Origin
Hebrew
Etymology
The name Dana is derived from the Hebrew name 'Dan', meaning 'judge' or 'to judge'. It is also associated with the Celtic word 'dana', meaning 'wise' or 'knowledgeable'.
Meaning
judge, wise, knowledgeable
Language Evolution
Dan, Dana
Biblical Background
Dana is connected to the biblical character Dan, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, but 'Dana' itself does not appear in the Bible as a name.
Historical Usage
The name Dana gained popularity in the English-speaking world during the 20th century, particularly as a unisex name.
Variants & Derivatives
Danna, Dane, Dani
Modern Popularity & Image
Dana is perceived as a modern and versatile name, often viewed as both feminine and masculine. It carries connotations of strength and wisdom.
Famous People
Dana Carvey, an American comedian and actor, Dana Delany, an American actress, Dana White, the president of the Ultimate Fighting Championship
📊 Trend Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 8,032 peak births in 1971
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Maine
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 14 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (6 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 6 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics
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
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 610th of 7545 | 1,710 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 475th of 6773 | 2,777 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 190th of 7552 | 26,922 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 248th of 10718 | 14,122 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 496th of 16616 | 5,889 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 1682nd of 24088 | 1,276 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 3729th of 23106 | 348 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 927th of 9107 | 1,072 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 489th of 9204 | 3,794 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 163rd of 12526 | 41,858 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 66th of 19264 | 81,771 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 105th of 27321 | 47,240 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 359th of 35406 | 13,950 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 937th of 30306 | 3,461 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
40.25% 570th/1416 |
27.41% 378th/1379 |
31.78% 752nd/2366 |
58.67% 670th/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
31.57% 488th/1546 |
17.22% 268th/1556 |
29.54% 695th/2353 |
32.32% 500th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
8.31% 185th/2227 |
5.06% 123rd/2430 |
9.15% 261st/2853 |
6.13% 170th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
7.69% 226th/2937 |
4.88% 170th/3483 |
9.24% 325th/3518 |
7.37% 298th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
12.56% 463rd/3685 |
6.97% 312th/4475 |
12.86% 668th/5194 |
8.80% 556th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
34.24% 1569th/4582 |
26.74% 1381st/5164 |
31.51% 2304th/7313 |
33.24% 2481st/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
79.99% 3187th/3984 |
50.52% 2267th/4487 |
- |
75.38% 4731st/6276 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
60.59% 858th/1416 |
70.27% 969th/1379 |
39.14% 926th/2366 |
76.53% 874th/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
28.72% 444th/1546 |
32.84% 511th/1556 |
19.63% 462nd/2353 |
23.53% 364th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
7.68% 171st/2227 |
9.09% 221st/2430 |
5.22% 149th/2853 |
4.50% 125th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
2.49% 73rd/2937 |
2.18% 76th/3483 |
1.42% 50th/3518 |
2.05% 83rd/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
2.69% 99th/3685 |
1.68% 75th/4475 |
2.23% 116th/5194 |
2.63% 166th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
8.10% 371st/4582 |
4.98% 257th/5164 |
5.65% 413th/7313 |
5.44% 406th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
26.61% 1060th/3984 |
16.83% 755th/4487 |
14.60% 996th/6822 |
13.77% 864th/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity 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 in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in Maine across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Generation X (Gen X) generation in the South region. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is gaining popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, usage has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, too falling for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 610th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 475th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 190th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 248th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 496th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 1682nd out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 3729th out of 23106 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 927th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 489th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 163rd out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 66th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 105th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 359th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 937th out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.