Dana is a name of Hebrew origin that means "song" or "melody." It is derived from the Hebrew word "dunam," which refers to music or song. In some traditions, Dana is also associated with the goddess Dana, who was believed to have brought the arts of civilization to Ireland.
The name Dana has been used for centuries and can be traced back to ancient times. It was used by the ancient Hebrews as a term of endearment for their children, and it appears in the Hebrew Bible as the name of one of King David's wives. In Irish mythology, Dana is the name of a goddess who played a significant role in the development of Celtic culture.
Today, Dana is still a popular name around the world. It is often given to girls but can also be used for boys. Some famous people with the name Dana include American actresses Dana Delany and Dana Ivey, as well as Canadian singer-songwriter Dan Mangan, who uses his full first name professionally.
The given statistics illustrate the popularity of the name Dana among babies born in the United States from 1882 to 2023. The number of births varied significantly over this period, with peaks and troughs indicating shifts in naming trends.
In the late 19th century, there was a consistent but low number of babies named Dana each year, ranging from just 6 births in some years to a peak of 21 births in 1910. However, starting around 1940, we begin to see a significant increase in the popularity of the name Dana.
The post-World War II era marked a turning point for Dana's popularity. From 1940 onwards, the number of babies named Dana began to rise steadily, reaching an all-time high of 326 births in 2015. This period of increased popularity lasted until around the mid-2000s, after which the frequency of the name began to decline once again.
From 2005 onwards, there has been a consistent downward trend in the number of babies named Dana each year. By 2023, this number had fallen to just 264 births, representing a significant decrease from its peak during the mid-20th century.
Overall, the name Dana has seen several waves of popularity over the past century and a half. While it was relatively uncommon in the late 19th century, it reached remarkable heights of popularity during and after World War II, only to decline again in recent decades. Despite these fluctuations, the name Dana remains a classic choice for parents looking for a timeless yet distinctive name for their child.