"judged, vindicated"
Dinah
Pronunciation: [ d-EYEN-uh ]
Does Dinah flow with your last name?
A biblical name with vintage American soul
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Nicknames
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Meaning & Origin
"lawsuit, judgment"
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Browse nicknames →The Story of Dinah
Dinah comes from the Hebrew word 'din' (דִּין), meaning judgment or vindication. In the Bible, Dinah is the daughter of Jacob and Leah — one of the few named women in early Genesis, making her story in Genesis 34 among the most dramatic in Hebrew scripture. Beyond the Bible, the name gained rich cultural resonance through American folk music, jazz, and blues traditions that carried it through the 20th century.
Dinah experienced peak popularity in the mid-20th century, significantly boosted by jazz legend Dinah Washington, nicknamed the 'Queen of the Blues.' It's now a beloved vintage choice as parents rediscover classic biblical names with Southern charm and authentic American roots.
In African American culture, Dinah holds historical significance through jazz and blues traditions, particularly through the profound influence of Dinah Washington. The name also appears in traditional American folk songs — 'Someone's in the Kitchen with Dinah' embedded it in American cultural memory for generations.
Historical Record
Dinah first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 7,840 babies have been named Dinah in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Dinah is past its peak , currently ranked #3,942 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Dinah Washington was known as the 'Queen of the Blues' and the most popular Black female recording artist of the 1950s
- The folk song 'Someone's in the Kitchen with Dinah' made the name a household word across generations
- Dinah appears in Genesis as the only named daughter of Jacob among his twelve sons
Dinah in Other Languages
Popularity Over Time
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Dinah
Dinah Washington
Musician
1924
American jazz and blues singer known as the 'Queen of the Blues,' one of the most influential vocalists of the 20th cent...
American jazz and blues singer known as the 'Queen of the Blues,' one of the most influential vocalists of the 20th century with an unmistakable gospel-infused style
Dinah Shore
Entertainer
1916
American singer and actress who became one of early television's most popular personalities, hosting her own variety sho...
American singer and actress who became one of early television's most popular personalities, hosting her own variety show for years
Dinah Fictional
Other
Alice's beloved pet cat in Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland — a gentle presence that grounds Alice in th...
Alice's beloved pet cat in Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland — a gentle presence that grounds Alice in the real world
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Compare Dinah with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #3,942
- Total SSA Count
- 38
- Cultural Origins
- English Jewish Christian American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, English 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, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English 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, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Dinah
5 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Same Origin Names (English)
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Scottish origin
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Greek Halie origin
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Old English origin
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Frequently Asked Questions About Dinah
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About the Name Dinah
Dinah is a girl name with English, Jewish, Christian, and American origins . The name means "judged, vindicated" in Hebrew .
Dinah is currently ranked #3,942 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Dinah has 2 syllables and is pronounced d-EYEN-uh, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Dinah include Di. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Dinah include Dina . 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