Dana: Name Meaning, Origin, & Popularity

Girl name origins & meanings

What does Dana mean and stand for?

Meaning:

English: Bright as day
Hebrew: God is my judge
Irish: From Denmark

Gender: Female

Syllables: 2

Pronunciation: The name Dana is pronounced DAY-nuh

Dana is of Hebrew origin and means "God is my judge." It reflects a strong sense of identity and justice, making it a powerful name for any girl.

Girl name variations

Boy name origins & meanings

What does Dana mean and stand for as a boy's name?

Meaning:

Norse: From Denmark
Hebrew: God is my judge
Irish: From Denmark

Gender: Male

Syllables: 2

Pronunciation: The name Dana is pronounced DAY-nuh

Dana, derived from Hebrew, means "God is my judge." This name carries a significant sense of identity and justice, making it a meaningful choice for any boy.

Boy name variations

Family name origins & meanings

American: Initial origin unidentified. There has been much speculation about the origins of this famous American family name. The most plausible theory is that it is a Huguenot name, a variant of D’Aunay, from any of several places in France called Aunay.

Hungarian: from a pet form of the personal name Dániel (see Daniel).

Czech and Slovak (Daňa); also Polish: from the personal name Daniel, or perhaps from a short form of any of the various Old Slavic compound personal names formed with -dan, for example Bogdan.

English: Richard Dana came from England in 1640 to Cambridge, MA, where he died in 1690. His most famous descendant was Richard Henry Dana (1815–82), author of Two Years before the Mast. A lawyer by profession as well as a writer and traveler, he supported the rights of fugitive slaves before and during the Civil War.

Famous people with this first name

Dana Carvey

Dana in Pop Culture

Do you know these fictional characters that share the first name?

Dana Scully from The X-Files - A medical doctor and FBI agent, Dana Scully is known for her skepticism and scientific approach to the paranormal investigations she undertakes with her partner Fox Mulder.
Dana Fairbanks from The L Word - Dana is a professional tennis player who struggles with her identity and sexuality throughout the series, showcasing her journey in a complex social environment.
Dana Walsh from 24: Live Another Day - A young woman involved in espionage and betrayal, Dana plays a pivotal role in the storyline, demonstrating the tension between personal choices and international conflicts.
Dana Calhoun from Will & Grace - Appearing as a friend of Grace Adler, Dana's character adds comedic value while reflecting themes of friendship and love.
Dana Gordon from Entourage - A powerful studio executive, Dana represents the challenges faced by women in a male-dominated industry, balancing ambition with personal relationships.

Popularity of the Name Dana

According to Social Security Administration data, Dana has enjoyed a steady level of popularity, especially in the latter half of the 20th century, peaking in the 1970s and 1980s. It has since seen a decline but remains a recognized name. The name Dana derives from Hebrew origins, meaning "God is my judge," and has been used for both boys and girls, although it has become predominantly associated with females in recent decades. Notable figures sharing the name include actress Dana Delany and author Dana L. Davis, showcasing its cultural resonance across various fields.