"God is my judge (short form of Daniel)"
Origin: Hebrew Dan-El
Language: Hebrew
Dana
Pronunciation: [ d-AYN-uh ]
Does Dana flow with your last name?
A clean, classic name with both biblical and Celtic roots
American
English
Czech
Scandinavian
Classic
Minimalist
Gentle
Traditional
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"from Denmark, a Dane"
Origin: Old English
Language: English
"divine mother goddess (Irish)"
Origin: Irish/Celtic Danu
Language: Irish
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The Story of Dana
Dana as a masculine name has several possible origins. It may derive from the name Daniel (Hebrew Dan-El meaning God is my judge), used as a short form. Alternatively, it comes from an Old English word meaning from Denmark or a Dane, used as a surname for Scandinavian immigrants in medieval England. Dana is also an ancient Irish mythological figure — the Tuatha Dé Danann (People of the Goddess Danu) were the divine race of Irish mythology.
Dana was used as a masculine name in the 19th and early 20th centuries in the US (notably Richard Henry Dana Jr., author of Two Years Before the Mast). By the mid-20th century it became more frequently used for both sexes. Today it leans slightly more feminine in the US, making it a distinctive choice as a masculine name.
In Czech and Slovak cultures, Dana (pronounced DAH-nah) remains a common feminine name. In American English, Dana occupies an interesting middle ground as a gender-neutral name that has shifted in usage over generations.
Historical Record
Dana first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 44,932 babies have been named Dana in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Dana is past its peak , currently ranked #4,273 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Richard Henry Dana Jr. wrote the classic American memoir Two Years Before the Mast (1840)
- The Tuatha Dé Danann — Children of the Goddess Dana/Danu — are the supernatural beings of Irish mythology
- Dana was more commonly a masculine name in the 19th century before gradually shifting gender associations
Dana in Other Languages
Czech
Dana
Irish
Danu
Hebrew
דנא
Scandinavian
Dane
Popularity Over Time
#4,273
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Peaked 1954
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Dana
D
Dana Carvey
Entertainer
1955
American comedian and actor known for Saturday Night Live and the Waynes World films
R
Richard Henry Dana Jr.
Writer
1815
American author and lawyer who wrote Two Years Before the Mast, a classic account of seafaring life
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #4,273
- Total SSA Count
- 25
- Cultural Origins
- American English Czech Scandinavian
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Dan
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Dana
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Dana is also used as a girl name, ranked #1076.
View Dana as a girl name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Dana
What does the name Dana mean?
"God is my judge (short form of Daniel)" (from Hebrew Dan-El). "from Denmark, a Dane" (from Old English). "divine mother goddess (Irish)" (from Irish/Celtic Danu). Dana as a masculine name has several possible origins. It may derive from the name Daniel (Hebrew Dan-El meaning God is my judge), used as a short form. Alternatively, it comes from an Old English word meaning from Denmark or a Dane, used as a surname for Scandinavian immigrants in medieval England. Dana is also an ancient Irish mythological figure — the Tuatha Dé Danann (People of the Goddess Danu) were the divine race of Irish mythology.
What is the origin of the name Dana?
Dana has Hebrew Dan-El, Old English, Irish/Celtic Danu, American, English, Czech, and Scandinavian origins. In Hebrew Dan-El, it means "God is my judge (short form of Daniel)". In Old English, it means "from Denmark, a Dane". In Irish/Celtic Danu, it means "divine mother goddess (Irish)".
Is Dana a boy or girl name?
Dana is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #4273. As a girl name, it is ranked #1076. Dana is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Dana?
Dana is pronounced d-AYN-uh.
How popular is the name Dana?
Dana is currently ranked #4273 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Dana?
Common nicknames for Dana include Dan.
What are good middle names for Dana?
Popular middle name pairings include Dana Michael, Dana James, Dana Thomas, Dana Lee, Dana Allen, and Dana Scott.
What are good sibling names for Dana?
Names that pair well with Dana as siblings include Lena, Tara, Shana, Brett, Glenn, and Kyle.
How many syllables does Dana have?
Dana has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Dana a common or rare name?
Dana is an uncommon name, ranked #4273 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What boy names are similar to Dana?
About the Name Dana
Dana is a boy name with American, English, Czech, and Scandinavian origins . The name means "God is my judge (short form of Daniel)" in Hebrew Dan-El .
Is Dana a boy or girl name? Dana is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #4,273 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #1,076. Dana is more commonly used as a girl name.
Dana is currently ranked #4,273 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Dana has 2 syllables and is pronounced d-AYN-uh, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Dana include Dan. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Dana include Daniel, Dante, Danny, Dane, Dangelo . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis