Charlotte Girl
SHAHR-luht
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#2
Dakota
UnisexNative American· “friend, ally”
- Meaning
- friend, ally
- Origin
- Native American
- Pronunciation
- duh-KOH-tuh
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #296
- US babies 2025
- 1,035
- Best rank
- #190 (2006)
- Peak year
- 2006
Meaning and origin of Dakota
Dakota is a Native American name that means “friend, ally”.
Dakota is the name of a Native American people belonging to the Sioux nations, and the word is usually translated as "friend" or "ally" in the Dakota language. The territory of Dakota, and later the states of North Dakota and South Dakota, took their names from the people. As a given name Dakota came into use in the United States in the later twentieth century and is shared by boys and girls. It carries a sense of the Great Plains and wide open landscapes. Parents choosing it may wish to learn more about the Dakota people behind the name. Kody and Kota are nickname possibilities.
Popularity over time
Dakota first appears in US Social Security records in 1915. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 36 different years, starting in 1990. Its best national rank was #190 in 2006, the same year it reached its highest count of 1,839 babies. In 2025, 1,035 babies were named Dakota, and it ranked #296 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #3,342 in 1980, #296 in 2000, #285 in 2010, and #296 in 2025. Of the 41,458 US girls named Dakota since records began, 30% were born in the 2000s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 12,191 babies. Since 2010, 19,125 more have been named Dakota.
Other babies' names that peaked around the same time include Jadyn.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Dakota ranked highest in Maryland, Mississippi, and Louisiana.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland | #116 | 38 |
| Mississippi | #156 | 16 |
| Louisiana | #162 | 25 |
| Alabama | #168 | 26 |
| Georgia | #176 | 58 |
Gender, sound and spelling
Dakota is used for both boys and girls: over the last 20 years about 52% of US babies named Dakota were girls and 48% were boys.
Dakota is usually pronounced duh-KOH-tuh, with three syllables. It has six letters, starts with D and ends in “-ta”.
Middle names for Dakota
A few middle names that flow with Dakota: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Dakota
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Lists that include Dakota
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Dakota mean?
Dakota is a Native American name that means “friend, ally”.
What is the origin of the name Dakota?
Dakota has Native American roots. Dakota is the name of a Native American people belonging to the Sioux nations, and the word is usually translated as "friend" or "ally" in the Dakota language.
Is Dakota a popular name?
Yes. Dakota ranked #296 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Dakota a boy or girl name?
Dakota is used for both boys and girls: over the last 20 years about 52% of US babies named Dakota were girls and 48% were boys.
How do you pronounce Dakota?
Dakota is usually pronounced duh-KOH-tuh. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings