Girl · 87th of 27,321
Diana
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
368,475
Total Births
145
Years of Data
1957
Peak Popularity Year
9,459
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Diana stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
Jump to a section
Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
The name Diana has its origins in Latin, associated with a goddess and meanings related to divinity and light. It has evolved through various languages and forms, maintaining its popularity due to cultural influences. The name carries associations of grace and elegance, with no biblical relevance.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/daɪˈænə/
Origin
Latin
Etymology
The name Diana is derived from the Latin word 'diana', which is related to the goddess of the moon and hunting in Roman mythology. It is believed to have connections to the Indo-European root *dyeu-, meaning 'to shine' or 'daylight'.
Meaning
divine, heavenly
Language Evolution
Diana (Latin), Diana (Old French), Diana (English)
Historical Usage
The name gained popularity in the English-speaking world during the Renaissance period, influenced by the revival of classical mythology and literature. It has remained in use since then, particularly in the 20th century after the rise of notable figures named Diana.
Variants & Derivatives
Diane, Dianna, Deanna
Modern Popularity & Image
Diana is commonly perceived as a timeless and elegant name, often associated with grace and beauty, largely due to the legacy of Princess Diana. It remains a popular choice for girls today.
Famous People
Diana, Princess of Wales, Diana Ross, Diana Krall
Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Gradually Declining
Explore popularity by location
Geographic charts live in focused views so this report stays readable. Choose the level of detail you need.
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 9,459 peak births in 1957
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in California
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 13 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 1 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 13 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 7545th of 7545 | 5 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 3306th of 6773 | 95 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 1850th of 7552 | 345 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 2416th of 10718 | 254 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 2183rd of 16616 | 486 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 9197th of 24088 | 100 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 453rd of 9107 | 3,938 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 135th of 9204 | 33,738 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 51st of 12526 | 149,387 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 91st of 19264 | 62,251 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 87th of 27321 | 57,303 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 121st of 35406 | 44,761 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 245th of 30306 | 15,440 |