"friendly, allies, friend"
Origin: Dakota Sioux
Language: Dakota / English
Dakota
Pronunciation: [ d-uhk-OHT-uh ]
Does Dakota flow with your last name?
A Great Plains name meaning 'friend and ally'
American
Native American
Bold
Earthy
Strong
Modern
Gender Neutral
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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The Story of Dakota
Dakota comes from the Dakota Sioux language, meaning 'friend' or 'allies' — the name the Dakota people used for themselves. The Dakota are a Native American people of the Great Plains, part of the broader Sioux Nation (alongside the Lakota and Nakota). The states of North and South Dakota were named for this people when they were admitted to the Union in 1889.
Dakota became popular as a given name in the 1990s as both a masculine and feminine name, part of a broader interest in Western frontier aesthetics. Actress Dakota Fanning (born 1994) made it strongly associated with girls, while the name's strength and Western associations keep it viable for boys. Dak Prescott (born Rayne Dakota Prescott) keeps it prominent in NFL culture.
The Dakota/Lakota/Nakota people have a rich cultural tradition and have faced significant historical struggles. Using 'Dakota' as a name can be seen as a tribute to Native American heritage. The Standing Rock Sioux reservation sits in the Dakotas, and the name carries weight in contemporary Native American activism.
Historical Record
Dakota first appeared in US Social Security records in 1966.
Over 92,020 babies have been named Dakota in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Dakota is past its peak , currently ranked #329 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- North and South Dakota are the only two US states named directly for a Native American people still living in that region
- Dak Prescott, whose middle name is Dakota, led the Dallas Cowboys to multiple playoff appearances
Dakota in Other Languages
French
Dakota
Spanish
Dakota
Dakota Sioux
Dakota
Popularity Over Time
#329
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Peaked 1995
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Dakota
D
Dakota Fanning
Actor
1994
American actress who began as a child star in I Am Sam (2001) and has maintained a major career into adulthood
D
Dak Prescott
Athlete
1993
NFL quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys, born Rayne Dakota Prescott
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #329
- Total SSA Count
- 1,053
- Cultural Origins
- American Native American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Dak
Koda
Cody
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Dakota
5 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Dakota is also used as a girl name, ranked #273.
View Dakota as a girl name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Dakota
What does the name Dakota mean?
"friendly, allies, friend" (from Dakota Sioux). Dakota comes from the Dakota Sioux language, meaning 'friend' or 'allies' — the name the Dakota people used for themselves. The Dakota are a Native American people of the Great Plains, part of the broader Sioux Nation (alongside the Lakota and Nakota). The states of North and South Dakota were named for this people when they were admitted to the Union in 1889.
What is the origin of the name Dakota?
Dakota has Dakota Sioux, American, and Native American origins. In Dakota Sioux, it means "friendly, allies, friend".
Is Dakota a boy or girl name?
Dakota is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #329. As a girl name, it is ranked #273. Dakota is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Dakota?
Dakota is pronounced d-uhk-OHT-uh.
How popular is the name Dakota?
Dakota is currently ranked #329 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Dakota?
Common nicknames for Dakota include Dak, Koda, and Cody.
What are good middle names for Dakota?
Popular middle name pairings include Dakota James, Dakota Ray, Dakota Lee, Dakota Matthew, and Dakota Allen.
What are good sibling names for Dakota?
Names that pair well with Dakota as siblings include Cheyenne, Sierra, Cody, Wyatt, Phoenix, and Savannah.
How many syllables does Dakota have?
Dakota has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Dakota a common or rare name?
Dakota is a popular name, ranked #329 for boys. It is well-known without being overused.
What boy names are similar to Dakota?
About the Name Dakota
Dakota is a boy name with American and Native American origins . The name means "friendly, allies, friend" in Dakota Sioux .
Is Dakota a boy or girl name? Dakota is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #329 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #273. Dakota is more commonly used as a girl name.
Dakota is currently ranked #329 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Dakota has 3 syllables and is pronounced d-uhk-OHT-uh, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Dakota include Dak, Koda, and Cody. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Dakota include Dakoda, Dakotah . 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