Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Diane
GirlFrench, Latin· “French form of Diana; divine”
- Meaning
- French form of Diana; divine
- Origin
- French, Latin
- Pronunciation
- dy-AN
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #2,620
- US babies 2025
- 66
- Best rank
- #14 (1955)
- Peak year
- 1955
Meaning and origin of Diane
Diane is a French and Latin name that is usually said to mean “French form of Diana; divine”.
Diane is the French form of Diana, the Roman goddess of the moon, hunting and the wilderness. Diana is usually linked to an old Latin root meaning "divine" or "heavenly." In France, Diane de Poitiers, the influential companion of King Henry II, gave the name courtly glamour in the sixteenth century. Diane became especially popular in English-speaking countries in the mid-twentieth century and today has a classic, polished feel. Di and Didi are friendly nicknames.
Other spellings with the same sound: Dianne, Dyan, Dyane, Diahann.
Popularity over time
Diane first appears in US Social Security records in 1898. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 98 different years, starting in 1904. Its best national rank was #14 in 1955, the same year it reached its highest count of 23,290 babies. In 2025, 66 babies were named Diane, and it ranked #2,620 nationally. That is 28% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #814 in 1920, #16 in 1950, #201 in 1980, #712 in 2000, #1,570 in 2010, and #2,620 in 2025. Of the 518,651 US girls named Diane since records began, 41% were born in the 1950s, its biggest decade. The 1940s come next, with 122,878 babies. Since 2010, 1,518 more have been named Diane.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Pamela, Janet, Catherine, Connie, and Vicki.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Diane ranked highest in Florida, California, and Texas.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Florida | #1958 | 6 |
| California | #2862 | 6 |
| Texas | #3022 | 6 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Diane is usually pronounced dy-AN, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with D and ends in “-ne”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Dianne, Dyan, Dyane, and Diahann.
Middle names for Diane
A few middle names that flow with Diane: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Diane
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Lists that include Diane
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Diane mean?
Diane is a French and Latin name that is usually said to mean “French form of Diana; divine”.
What is the origin of the name Diane?
Diane has French and Latin roots. Diane is the French form of Diana, the Roman goddess of the moon, hunting and the wilderness.
Is Diane a popular name?
Not especially. Diane ranked #2,620 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Diane a boy or girl name?
Diane is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Diane?
Diane is usually pronounced dy-AN. 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