Dakota Name Meaning

Helen Doanna

By Helen Doanna

Lastest Updated July 9, 2024
Home » Baby Names » Dakota Name Meaning

Fact: The name Dakota is also associated with two U.S. states, North Dakota and South Dakota.

Continue Reading…
A Deep Dive

Dakota Overview

Meaning

Friend, ally

Gender

Girl, Gender-neutral

Origin

Native American

Etymology

Derived from the Native American Sioux word “Dakota,” meaning “friend” or “ally.”

Pronunciation

/dəˈkoʊtə/

Popularity

Dakota is favored in the USA and has gained attention in other English-speaking countries. In 2023, Dakota ranked #270 for boys and #247 for girls in the USA.

Syllable

3 syllables

Length

6 letters

Numerology

7 (Analytical, Studious, Knowledgeable)

Name Styles

Nature-inspired, Cool, Earthy

Associated Traits

Friendly, adventurous, free-spirited

Spiritual, Religious, or Cultural Significance

Often chosen for its Native American heritage, symbolizing friendship and alliance.
A Deep Dive

Dakota Variations in Different Cultures

Popular Variations

Dakotah, Dacotah, Dakoda, Dakotie, Dakoton

Common Nicknames

Kota, Dax, Kody, Dee, Kato, Tate, Dak

Diminutives

Koti, Koda, Kotie, Dake, Dakie

Famous People

  • Dakota Fanning
    (American Actress)
  • Dakota Johnson
    (American Actress)
  • Dakota Meyer
    (American Marine)
  • Dakota Goyo
    (Canadian Actor)
  • Dakota Blue Richards
    (British Actress)

Pop Culture Icons and Works

  • Dakota Johnson
    ("Fifty Shades," Film Series)
  • Dakota Fanning
    ("The Alienist," TV Series)
  • "North Dakota"
    (Film)
  • Dakota Milton
    ("Total Drama," TV Series)
  • "Dakota's Summer"
    (Film)
  • Dakota Skye
    ("Dakota Skye," Film)

Places

  • Dakota City
    (Nebraska, USA)
  • Dakota Dunes
    (South Dakota, USA)
  • Dakota County
    (Minnesota, USA)
  • Dakota Prairie National Grasslands
    (North Dakota, USA)
  • Dakota Park
    (Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada)

What Is the Meaning of Dakota?

Dakota means “friend” or “ally” in the Sioux language. People named Dakota are often seen as loyal and dependable, embodying qualities of friendship and support.

What Is the Origin of The Name Dakota?

Dakota has Native American origins, specifically from the Sioux tribes. It is derived from the Sioux word “Dakóta,” meaning “friend” or “ally,” hinting at the community-oriented nature of the Sioux people.

Dakota Name Popularity

Popularity Chart of the Name Dakota in the U.S. over the Years

United States flagUnited States#2702021#2582022#2622023
Top 3 Rankings#1902006#2252005#2272016

Annual Statistics Breakdown for Dakota

YearName RankingNumber of BirthsBirth Rate (%)
2023262
(-4 from 2022)
1183
(-25 from 2022)
0.06763
2022258
(+12 from 2021)
1208
(+47 from 2021)
0.06737
2021270
(-14 from 2020)
1161
(-13 from 2020)
0.06480
2020256
(+2 from 2019)
1174
(-95 from 2019)
0.06641
2019258
(-12 from 2018)
1269
(-51 from 2018)
0.06916
2018246
(-15 from 2017)
1320
(-40 from 2017)
0.07098
2017231
(-4 from 2016)
1360
(-57 from 2016)
0.07199
2016227
(+15 from 2015)
1417
(+84 from 2015)
0.07320
2015242
(+42 from 2014)
1333
(+185 from 2014)
0.06833
2014284
(+9 from 2013)
1148
(+60 from 2013)
0.05868
2013293
(+14 from 2012)
1088
(+49 from 2012)
0.05644
2012307
(-13 from 2011)
1039
(-29 from 2011)
0.05357
2011294
(-9 from 2010)
1068
(-74 from 2010)
0.05512
2010285
(-10 from 2009)
1142
(-54 from 2009)
0.05824
2009275
(-9 from 2008)
1196
(-91 from 2008)
0.05906
2008266
(-27 from 2007)
1287
(-199 from 2007)
0.06179
2007239
(-49 from 2006)
1486
(-353 from 2006)
0.07021
2006190
(+35 from 2005)
1839
(+324 from 2005)
0.08797
2005225
(+52 from 2004)
1515
(+335 from 2004)
0.07465
2004277
(+63 from 2003)
1180
(+264 from 2003)
0.05848
2003340
(-17 from 2002)
916
(-36 from 2002)
0.04565
2002323
(+7 from 2001)
952
(+9 from 2001)
0.04820
2001330
(-34 from 2000)
943
(-143 from 2000)
0.04760
2000296
(-27 from 1999)
1086
(-81 from 1999)
0.05442
1999269
(-23 from 1998)
1167
(-75 from 1998)
0.05994
1998246
(+4 from 1997)
1242
(+67 from 1997)
0.06407
1997250
(+24 from 1996)
1175
(+121 from 1996)
0.06154
1996274
(-22 from 1995)
1054
(-72 from 1995)
0.05497
1995252
(+54 from 1994)
1126
(+232 from 1994)
0.05860
1994306
(+49 from 1993)
894
(+170 from 1993)
0.04586
1993355
(-9 from 1992)
724
(-29 from 1992)
0.03672
1992346
(+54 from 1991)
753
(+117 from 1991)
0.03756
1991400
(+196 from 1990)
636
(+256 from 1990)
0.03128
1990596
(+452 from 1989)
380
(+217 from 1989)
0.01850
19891048
(+361 from 1988)
163
(+64 from 1988)
0.00818
19881409
(+182 from 1987)
99
(+21 from 1987)
0.00515
19871591
(+47 from 1986)
78
(+6 from 1986)
0.00416
19861638
(+171 from 1985)
72
(+10 from 1985)
0.00390
19851809
(+2181 from 1984)
62
(+43 from 1984)
0.00336
19843990
(+695 from 1983)
19
(+4 from 1983)
0.00105
19834685
(+261 from 1982)
15
(+1 from 1982)
0.00084
19824946
(-941 from 1981)
14
(-5 from 1981)
0.00077
19814005
(-687 from 1980)
19
(-6 from 1980)
0.00106
19803318
(+460 from 1979)
25
(+5 from 1979)
0.00140
19793778
(+677 from 1978)
20
(+5 from 1978)
0.00116
19784455
(+197 from 1977)
15
(+1 from 1977)
0.00091
19774652
(+563 from 1976)
14
(+3 from 1976)
0.00085
19765215
(-361 from 1975)
11
(-1 from 1975)
0.00070
19754854
(+1403 from 1974)
12
(+4 from 1974)
0.00077
19746257
(-1389 from 1973)
8
(-3 from 1973)
0.00051
19734868
(+2422 from 1972)
11
(+5 from 1972)
0.00071
19727290
(-1284 from 1971)
6
(-2 from 1971)
0.00037
19716006
(-1140 from 1966)
8
No change from 1966
0.00046
19700
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19690
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19680
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19670
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19664866
(-372 from 1965)
8
(-1 from 1965)
0.00046
19654494
(+1514 from 1964)
9
(+3 from 1964)
0.00049
19646008
(-117 from 1963)
6
No change from 1963
0.00031
19635891
(-1359 from 1962)
6
(-3 from 1962)
0.00030
19624532
(-924 from 1961)
9
(-4 from 1961)
0.00044
19613608
(-96 from 1960)
13
No change from 1960
0.00063
19603512
(-915 from 1959)
13
(-7 from 1959)
0.00063
19592597
(+1151 from 1958)
20
(+9 from 1958)
0.00096
19583748
(+716 from 1921)
11
(+5 from 1921)
0.00053
19570
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19560
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19550
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19540
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19530
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19520
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19510
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19500
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19490
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19480
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19470
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19460
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19450
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19440
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19430
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19420
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19410
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19400
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19390
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19380
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19370
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19360
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19350
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19340
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19330
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19320
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19310
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19300
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19290
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19280
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19270
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19260
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19250
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19240
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19230
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19220
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19214464
(-1330 from 1915)
6
(-2 from 1915)
0.00047
19200
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19190
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19180
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19170
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19160
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19153134
First SSA data recorded
8
First SSA data recorded
0.00078
19140
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19130
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19120
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19110
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19100
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19090
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19080
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19070
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19060
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19050
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19040
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19030
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19020
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19010
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19000
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18990
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18980
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18970
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18960
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18950
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18940
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18930
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18920
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18910
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18900
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18890
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18880
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18870
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18860
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18850
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18840
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18830
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18820
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18810
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18800
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000

American States Popularity Rankings for Dakota

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Number of Births )

California (CA)

California (CA) flagCalifornia (CA)#3372021#3552022#4702023

Texas (TX)

Texas (TX) flagTexas (TX)#3322021#3022022#3222023

Florida (FL)

Florida (FL) flagFlorida (FL)#2622021#2872022#2252023

New York (NY)

New York (NY) flagNew York (NY)#3252021#3092022#3752023

Ohio (OH)

Ohio (OH) flagOhio (OH)#1422021#1902022#2252023

Michigan (MI)

Michigan (MI) flagMichigan (MI)#1692021#1552022#1522023

Pennsylvania (PA)

Pennsylvania (PA) flagPennsylvania (PA)#2982021#2752022#2542023

Illinois (IL)

Illinois (IL) flagIllinois (IL)#2762021#3612022#1992023

Georgia (GA)

Georgia (GA) flagGeorgia (GA)#2382021#1532022#2212023

North Carolina (NC)

North Carolina (NC) flagNorth Carolina (NC)#2332021#2722022#2012023

Missouri (MO)

Missouri (MO) flagMissouri (MO)#2072021#2692022#1922023

Indiana (IN)

Indiana (IN) flagIndiana (IN)#3512021#3092022#3262023

Washington (WA)

Washington (WA) flagWashington (WA)#2472021#2892022#2322023

Virginia (VA)

Virginia (VA) flagVirginia (VA)#2322021#2632022#2662023

Tennessee (TN)

Tennessee (TN) flagTennessee (TN)#2932021#2522022#2082023

Maryland (MD)

Maryland (MD) flagMaryland (MD)#1332021#1262022#922023

Arizona (AZ)

Arizona (AZ) flagArizona (AZ)#2902021#2882022#2272023

Colorado (CO)

Colorado (CO) flagColorado (CO)#4852021#3152022#2882023

Kentucky (KY)

Kentucky (KY) flagKentucky (KY)#4322021#2222022#3602023

Louisiana (LA)

Louisiana (LA) flagLouisiana (LA)#1902021#1212022#1432023

New Jersey (NJ)

New Jersey (NJ) flagNew Jersey (NJ)#2922021#2652022#3602023

Wisconsin (WI)

Wisconsin (WI) flagWisconsin (WI)#3012021#4792022#3682023

Alabama (AL)

Alabama (AL) flagAlabama (AL)#2062021#2122022#1692023

Oklahoma (OK)

Oklahoma (OK) flagOklahoma (OK)#5572021#2412022#2742023

South Carolina (SC)

South Carolina (SC) flagSouth Carolina (SC)#3232021#4112022#1852023

Massachusetts (MA)

Massachusetts (MA) flagMassachusetts (MA)#3792021#3082022#3832023

Oregon (OR)

Oregon (OR) flagOregon (OR)#5102021#2872022#4672023

Minnesota (MN)

Minnesota (MN) flagMinnesota (MN)#3012021#3272022#4682023

Mississippi (MS)

Mississippi (MS) flagMississippi (MS)#1462021#1202022#1752023

Utah (UT)

Utah (UT) flagUtah (UT)#4242021#3392022#3242023

Iowa (IA)

Iowa (IA) flagIowa (IA)#5142021#4032022#3922023

Kansas (KS)

Kansas (KS) flagKansas (KS)#2972021#1962022#2922023

Arkansas (AR)

Arkansas (AR) flagArkansas (AR)#2132021#1372022#2732023

Connecticut (CT)

Connecticut (CT) flagConnecticut (CT)#1262021#3532022#2172023

Nevada (NV)

Nevada (NV) flagNevada (NV)#1932021#1242022#2672023

Idaho (ID)

Idaho (ID) flagIdaho (ID)#3932021#2462022#1792023

Nebraska (NE)

Nebraska (NE) flagNebraska (NE)#4422021#2772022#4262023

West Virginia (WV)

West Virginia (WV) flagWest Virginia (WV)#2482019#3352022#2072023

New Mexico (NM)

New Mexico (NM) flagNew Mexico (NM)#1852016#3132018#2052021

District of Columbia (DC)

District of Columbia (DC) flagDistrict of Columbia (DC)#1442021#1862022#1012023

Maine (ME)

Maine (ME) flagMaine (ME)#912008#2362014#2332016

Delaware (DE)

Delaware (DE) flagDelaware (DE)#1822021#1882022#952023

New Hampshire (NH)

New Hampshire (NH) flagNew Hampshire (NH)#2442014#1932022#1862023

Montana (MT)

Montana (MT) flagMontana (MT)#1352020#1652022#1732023

Alaska (AK)

Alaska (AK) flagAlaska (AK)#1532011#1462015#1412017

North Dakota (ND)

North Dakota (ND) flagNorth Dakota (ND)#1122017#2042022#1612023

Hawaii (HI)

Hawaii (HI) flagHawaii (HI)#1662016#1442021#1922022

Rhode Island (RI)

Rhode Island (RI) flagRhode Island (RI)#1952012#2022015#1672018

Wyoming (WY)

Wyoming (WY) flagWyoming (WY)#532005#1282008#802010

South Dakota (SD)

South Dakota (SD) flagSouth Dakota (SD)#1542008#2012013#1922015

Vermont (VT)

Vermont (VT) flagVermont (VT)#932005

Popularity Rankings for Dakota in other Countries and American Territories

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Rankings)

Popularity in New Zealand

New Zealand flagNew Zealand#3622021#3012022#2522023

Popularity in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland flagNorthern Ireland#4462021#3052022#2642023

Popularity in Scotland

Scotland flagScotland#3042021#3802022#3952023

Popularity in England and Wales

England and Wales flagEngland and Wales#4022019#5212020#4662021

Popularity in Ireland

Ireland flagIreland#4642021#5592022#6252023

Popularity in Canada

Canada flagCanada#6662020#5642021#9972022

Popularity in Quebec, Canada

Quebec, Canada flagQuebec, Canada#9982009#8672010#6222016

Source: Social Security Administration (SSA) and Other National Sources

Is Dakota a Name for Boys or Girls?

Both boys and girls can be named Dakota. The name’s origin and meaning do not lean towards a specific gender, allowing it to be versatile.

Variants, Nicknames, Diminutives, and Ideal Middle Names for Dakota

Dakota in Famous People Names, Pop Culture, and Places

  • Dakota Fanning (Actress, born 1994): An American actress who started her career as a child star in films like "I Am Sam" and has since taken on various roles in both movies and TV series.
  • Dakota Johnson (Actress, born 1989): An American actress best known for her lead role in the "Fifty Shades" film series and other notable performances.
  • Dakota Meyer (Marine, born 1988): A retired United States Marine Corps sergeant who received the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Battle of Ganjgal in Afghanistan.
  • Dakota Goyo (Actor, born 1999): A Canadian actor recognized for his roles in films such as "Real Steel" and "Rise of the Guardians."
  • Dakota Blue Richards (Actress, born 1994): A British actress who made her debut in the film "The Golden Compass" and has appeared in various TV series and films since.
  • Dakota Cochrane (Athlete, born 1986): An American mixed martial artist who has competed in various promotions including the UFC and Bellator.
  • Dakota Schuetz (Athlete, born 1996): An American professional scooter rider, also known as "Kota," who has won multiple world championships in the sport.
  • Dakota Johnson ("Fifty Shades," 2015 Film Series): An actress who plays the role of Anastasia Steele in this popular romance series.
  • Dakota Fanning ("The Alienist," 2018 TV Series): Stars as Sara Howard, a determined secretary turned detective in 19th century New York City.
  • "North Dakota" (1945 Film): A Western film featuring a story of adventure and romance set in the early days of the American frontier.
  • Dakota Milton ("Total Drama," 2007 TV Series): A character in this animated reality TV series known for her competitive spirit and ambition.
  • Dakota ("Dakota's Summer," 2014 Film): Follows the story of a young girl finding her place in the world of rodeo and family.
  • Dakota Skye ("Dakota Skye," 2008 Film): A high school girl with the ability to see the truth behind any lie, struggling with her unique power.
  • "Dakota" (1997 Novel): Chronicles the journey of a young woman named Dakota exploring her roots and heritage in the Midwest.
  • Dakota City (Nebraska, USA): A small city located in the northeastern part of Nebraska.
  • Dakota Dunes (South Dakota, USA): An unincorporated community situated near the confluence of the Big Sioux and Missouri Rivers.
  • Dakota County (Minnesota, USA): A county in the southern part of Minnesota, part of the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
  • Dakota Prairie National Grasslands (North Dakota, USA): A vast area of protected grasslands providing habitat for a variety of wildlife.
  • Dakota Park (Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada): A neighborhood park offering recreational facilities and green space in Winnipeg.
  • Dakota Beach (South Dakota, USA): A beach area located along the shores of Lake Kampeska in northeastern South Dakota.
  • Dakota Building (New York, USA): A historic residential building located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, near Central Park.

Similar Names to Dakota

Sibling Names for Dakota

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Thanks for hanging out and exploring Dakota with me! If you enjoyed this, stick around – we’ve got plenty more names to discover. Chat soon!
Helen Doanna

Helen Doanna

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