Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Dana
GirlEnglish, Hebrew· “uncertain; several possible origins”
- Meaning
- uncertain; several possible origins (origin disputed)
- Origin
- English, Hebrew
- Pronunciation
- DAY-nuh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #1,027
- US babies 2025
- 244
- Best rank
- #44 (1971)
- Peak year
- 1971
Meaning and origin of Dana
Dana is often said to mean “uncertain; several possible origins”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to English and Hebrew roots.
Dana has several possible origins, which is why its meaning is uncertain. In English it comes from a surname of unclear derivation, borne for example by the writer Richard Henry Dana, author of Two Years Before the Mast. It is sometimes linked to the Hebrew Dan, "he judged", and in Irish tradition it is compared to Danu, a mother goddess figure. In Czech and other Slavic languages Dana is a short form of names such as Daniela and Bogdana. In English-speaking countries it has been used for both sexes but is now mainly feminine. Dana is short, calm and easy to say.
Popularity over time
Dana first appears in US Social Security records in 1882. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 116 different years, starting in 1882. Its best national rank was #44 in 1971, the same year it reached its highest count of 6,934 babies. In 2025, 244 babies were named Dana, and it ranked #1,027 nationally. That is 25% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #874 in 1920, #248 in 1950, #68 in 1980, #311 in 2000, #463 in 2010, and #1,027 in 2025. Of the 193,555 US girls named Dana since records began, 27% were born in the 1970s, its biggest decade. The 1960s come next, with 47,701 babies. Since 2010, 5,284 more have been named Dana.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Tara, Tonya, Stacey, Melanie, and Stacy.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Dana ranked highest in Missouri, California, and Virginia.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri | #660 | 8 |
| California | #758 | 41 |
| Virginia | #783 | 9 |
| Massachusetts | #788 | 6 |
| Florida | #803 | 20 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 91% of US babies named Dana over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
Dana is usually pronounced DAY-nuh, with two syllables. It has four letters, starts with D and ends in “-na”.
Middle names for Dana
A few middle names that flow with Dana: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Dana
Similar names
Dina Girl
DEE-nuh
“form of Dinah; judged” · Hebrew
#1,327
Gina Girl
JEE-nuh
“short form of Regina or Georgina” · Italian
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Tina Girl
TEE-nuh
“short form of names ending in -tina” · English
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Rena Girl
REE-nuh
“short form of Irene or Rina” · Greek
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Rina Girl
REE-nuh
“joy, or short for Katarina” · Hebrew
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Jenna Girl
JEN-uh
“variant of Jennifer, 'fair one'” · English
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Leanna Girl
lee-AN-uh
“blend of Lee and Anna” · American (modern coinage)
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Susan Girl
SOO-zuhn
“lily” · English
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Leena Girl
LEE-nuh
“short form of names ending in -lina” · English
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Janice Girl
JA-nihs
“elaboration of Jane; God is gracious” · English
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Betsy Girl
BET-see
“my God is an oath (via Elizabeth)” · English
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Liza Girl
LY-zuh
“short form of Elizabeth; God is my oath” · English
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Lists that include Dana
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Dana mean?
Dana is often said to mean “uncertain; several possible origins”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to English and Hebrew roots.
What is the origin of the name Dana?
Dana has English and Hebrew roots. Dana has several possible origins, which is why its meaning is uncertain.
Is Dana a popular name?
Not especially. Dana ranked #1,027 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Dana a boy or girl name?
Dana is mainly a girl's name. About 91% of US babies named Dana over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
How do you pronounce Dana?
Dana is usually pronounced DAY-nuh. 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