"divine, heavenly"
Origin: Latin
Language: English
Diana
Pronunciation: [ d-eye-AN-uh ]
Girl Name
#243 Most Popular
Steady
3 Syllables
A goddess name meaning divine and radiant
English
Spanish
Italian
Romanian
French
Classic
Royal
Strong
Elegant
Mythological
Meaning & Origin
"goddess of the hunt and moon"
Origin: Latin mythology
Language: Roman
Things to Know About This Name
- Strongly associated with Princess Diana of Wales (died 1997) — seen as a tribute by many, but carries memorial weight
The Story of Diana
Diana comes from the Latin 'diviana' or 'divus,' meaning divine. In Roman mythology, Diana was the goddess of the hunt, the moon, and nature — the Roman counterpart of the Greek Artemis. Her name has been used continuously since ancient Rome, carried through the Renaissance by scholars who revered classical antiquity. The name was beloved by royalty and commoners alike across Europe before reaching new heights of recognition with Princess Diana of Wales.
Diana peaked in the US in the 1950s-1970s, regularly ranking in the top 50. After a dip in the 1980s, Princess Diana's global fame revived interest. Following her death in 1997, the name carries tribute connotations for many families who see naming a daughter Diana as an homage to the People's Princess.
In Roman religion, Diana was one of the most important deities — goddess of the hunt and moon, protector of women in childbirth. She had major temples across the Roman Empire. Globally, the name has royal resonance due to Princess Diana of Wales, considered one of the most beloved figures of the 20th century.
Fun Facts
- Diana's Roman temple at Ephesus was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World
- The word 'lunacy' derives from Luna, another name for Diana as moon goddess
- Diana remains a top-50 name in Spain and Romania today
Diana in Other Languages
Greek
Άρτεμις (equivalent)
French
Diane
Italian
Diana
Russian
Диана
Spanish
Diana
Famous People Named Diana
D
Diana, Princess of Wales
Royalty
1961
Beloved British princess, humanitarian, and global icon known as the People's Princess
D
Diana Ross
Musician
1944
Legendary American singer, lead of The Supremes and acclaimed solo artist
D
Diana Prince / Wonder Woman Fictional
Other
DC Comics superheroine and Amazonian warrior princess, one of the most iconic female characters in pop culture
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #243
- Total SSA Count
- 1,293
- Cultural Origins
- English Spanish Italian Romanian French
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Formal
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Di
Dee
Pairs Well With
Diana Rose
Diana Marie
Diana Lynn
Diana Grace
Diana Victoria
Diana Elizabeth
Sibling Names
Also a Boy Name
Diana is also used as a boy name, ranked #9688.
View Diana as a boy name →Similar Names
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About Diana
What does the name Diana mean?
"divine, heavenly" (from Latin). "goddess of the hunt and moon" (from Latin mythology). Diana comes from the Latin 'diviana' or 'divus,' meaning divine. In Roman mythology, Diana was the goddess of the hunt, the moon, and nature — the Roman counterpart of the Greek Artemis. Her name has been used continuously since ancient Rome, carried through the Renaissance by scholars who revered classical antiquity. The name was beloved by royalty and commoners alike across Europe before reaching new heights of recognition with Princess Diana of Wales.
What is the origin of the name Diana?
Diana has Latin, Latin mythology, English, Spanish, Italian, Romanian, and French origins. In Latin, it means "divine, heavenly". In Latin mythology, it means "goddess of the hunt and moon".
Is Diana a boy or girl name?
Diana is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #243. As a boy name, it is ranked #9688. Diana is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Diana?
Diana is pronounced d-eye-AN-uh.
How popular is the name Diana?
Diana is currently ranked #243 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Diana?
Common nicknames for Diana include Di and Dee.
What are good middle names for Diana?
Popular middle name pairings include Diana Rose, Diana Marie, Diana Lynn, Diana Grace, Diana Victoria, and Diana Elizabeth.
What are good sibling names for Diana?
Names that pair well with Diana as siblings include Victoria, Helena, Charlotte, James, William, and Artemis.
How many syllables does Diana have?
Diana has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Diana a common or rare name?
Diana is a popular name, ranked #243 for girls. It is well-known without being overused.
About the Name Diana
Diana is a girl name with English, Spanish, Italian, Romanian, and French origins . The name means "divine, heavenly" in Latin .
Is Diana a boy or girl name? Diana is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #243 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #9,688. Diana is more commonly used as a girl name.
Diana is currently ranked #243 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Diana has 3 syllables and is pronounced d-eye-AN-uh, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Diana include Di and Dee. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Diana include Diane, Dianna . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.