"judged, vindicated"
Origin: Hebrew
Language: English
Dinah
Pronunciation: [ d-EYEN-uh ]
Girl Name
#3,942 Most Popular
Hidden Gem
2 Syllables
A biblical name with vintage American soul
English
Jewish
Christian
American
Vintage
Biblical
Classic
Bold
Meaning & Origin
"lawsuit, judgment"
Origin: Hebrew (din)
Language: Hebrew
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.
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
Greek
Δείνα
French
Dina
Hebrew
דִּינָה
Italian
Dina
Spanish
Dina
Famous People Named Dinah
D
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
D
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
D
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
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
Di
Pairs Well With
Dinah Ruth
Dinah Mae
Dinah Rose
Dinah Jane
Dinah Louise
Sibling Names
Similar Names
Same Origin Names (English)
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About Dinah
What does the name Dinah mean?
"judged, vindicated" (from Hebrew). "lawsuit, judgment" (from Hebrew (din)). 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.
What is the origin of the name Dinah?
Dinah has Hebrew, Hebrew (din), English, Jewish, Christian, and American origins. In Hebrew, it means "judged, vindicated". In Hebrew (din), it means "lawsuit, judgment".
Is Dinah a boy or girl name?
Dinah is primarily used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Dinah?
Dinah is pronounced d-EYEN-uh.
How popular is the name Dinah?
Dinah is currently ranked #3942 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Dinah?
Common nicknames for Dinah include Di.
What are good middle names for Dinah?
Popular middle name pairings include Dinah Ruth, Dinah Mae, Dinah Rose, Dinah Jane, and Dinah Louise.
What are good sibling names for Dinah?
Names that pair well with Dinah as siblings include Leah, Simeon, Reuben, Miriam, Esther, and Levi.
How many syllables does Dinah have?
Dinah has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Dinah a common or rare name?
Dinah is an uncommon name, ranked #3942 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
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.