Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
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
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
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
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 (1 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 1 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 | 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 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- |
59.55% 1447th/2430 |
74.55% 2127th/2853 |
48.18% 1337th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- |
63.82% 2223rd/3483 |
64.38% 2265th/3518 |
50.91% 2059th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
64.56% 2379th/3685 |
39.20% 1754th/4475 |
37.79% 1963rd/5194 |
18.13% 1145th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - |
48.32% 3606th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
34.75% 492nd/1416 |
17.26% 238th/1379 |
46.53% 1101st/2366 |
38.97% 445th/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
7.05% 109th/1546 |
7.20% 112th/1556 |
9.65% 227th/2353 |
4.59% 71st/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
1.98% 44th/2227 |
2.84% 69th/2430 |
2.17% 62nd/2853 |
1.23% 34th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
3.75% 110th/2937 |
2.30% 80th/3483 |
2.87% 101st/3518 |
1.51% 61st/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
4.10% 151st/3685 |
1.74% 78th/4475 |
2.12% 110th/5194 |
0.87% 55th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
4.45% 204th/4582 |
2.73% 141st/5164 |
1.94% 142nd/7313 |
0.80% 60th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
9.01% 359th/3984 |
5.53% 248th/4487 |
3.59% 245th/6822 |
2.72% 171st/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 California across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Baby Boomers generation in the West region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been gradually declining. 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, too falling 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, falling for female in South, stalled for male in West, too rising for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 7545th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 3306th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 1850th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 2416th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 2183rd out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 9197th out of 24088 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 453rd out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 135th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 51st out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 91st out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 87th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 121st out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 245th out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.