Recent in Baby
When Baby Resists SolidsWhen Baby Resists SolidsBaby Biting TipsBaby Biting Tips5 Tips To Help Prevent Highchair Injuries5 Tips To Help Prevent Highchair InjuriesWhen Baby and Pet MeetWhen Baby and Pet MeetTreatments for ColicTreatments for ColicBaby Milestones – The First YearBaby Milestones – The First YearTips for Relieving Teething PainTips for Relieving Teething PainBenefits of Making Your Own Baby FoodBenefits of Making Your Own Baby Food

Home › Baby Names Directory › Dana

Dana

♂ Boy

Pronounced DAY-nə /ˈdeɪ.nə/High

Meaning: From an English surname, 'a Dane, from Denmark'; also linked to Hebrew Daniel ('God is my judge'); routes layeredMedium

In 30 seconds: Crisp and classic: Dana means 'a Dane, from Denmark' — a strong unisex surname-name (UFC's Dana White, author Richard Henry Dana). Sleek and storied.
💕 Browse more names
Origin MediumEnglish, Scandinavian
MeaningFrom an English surname, 'a Dane, from Denmark'; also linked to Hebrew Daniel ('God is my judge'); routes layered
U.S. rank (2025)#4157 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births25 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year1962
Total births (all-time)≈ 53,286

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 196218802025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Dana comes from an English surname meaning 'a Dane, from Denmark', and is also linked to Daniel, from Hebrew 'God is my judge' (routes layered, which we note). A sturdy unisex name, here for boys.

It registers thinly for boys today. Rare, from-Denmark at the (likely) root, and sleek.

Did you know? Dana means 'a Dane' (from Denmark) — and is linked to Daniel, 'God is my judge'; it's a sturdy unisex name worn by author Richard Henry Dana and UFC's Dana White.
Overall data confidence 70%
Behind the Name — Dana — routes layered

Variations

DaneDanas

Nicknames

—

Famous Bearers

  • ★Dana White (1969-)
    American businessman and president of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC)
  • ★Dana Carvey (1955-)
    American comedian and actor known for Saturday Night Live and Wayne's World
  • ★Dana Andrews (1909-1992)
    American film actor known for Laura (1944) and The Best Years of Our Lives (1946)
  • ★Dana Elcar (1927-2005)
    American actor best known for playing Pete Thornton in the TV series MacGyver

If you like Dana…

Dane— a fellow 'Dane' name
Dean— a companion crisp D- name
Dallas— another sturdy D- name
Dario— a fellow strong D- pick

Explore names like Dana

By themeuncertainenglishunisexscandinavian
By meaningGod / Divine

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Dana mean?

Dana means 'a Dane, from Denmark', and is linked to Daniel; the routes are layered.

How do you pronounce Dana?

It's said DAY-nə /ˈdeɪ.nə/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Dana a boy or girl name?

Dana is used for both sexes; this page covers its use as a boy's name.

How popular is Dana?

Dana is a rare name for boys in the U.S. today.

💬 Ask Nia