Girl · 66th of 19,264
Dana
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
246,572
Total Births
145
Years of Data
1971
Peak Popularity Year
8,032
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Dana stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
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Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
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 Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
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
3-Year Trend:
Rising
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
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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
Compare 6 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
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
Full popularity table across American generations 14 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |