Dawna

♀ Girl

Pronounced DAW-nuh /ˈdɔː.nə/High

Meaning: An -a elaboration of Dawn, the English word name for 'daybreak; first light.' The added ending gave the crisp word-name a softer, more formal shape in mid-century America.Low

In 30 seconds: A fresh word-name: Dawna elaborates Dawn ('daybreak'), said 'DAW-nuh.' Vintage and bright.

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Origin LowEnglish

MeaningAn -a elaboration of Dawn, the English word name for 'daybreak; first light.' The added ending gave the crisp word-name a softer, more formal shape in mid-century America.

U.S. rank (2023)#15752 ↘ Falling

2023 U.S. births5 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1966

Total births (all-time)≈ 6,017

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

Dawna elaborates Dawn, the English word for 'daybreak,' with a softening -a. Popular alongside plain Dawn in the 1960s, it peaked in 1966 and faded as the shorter form held on (said 'DAW-nuh').

Dawna belonged to the sixties nurseries and is rare today. Rare, bright, and vintage.

Did you know? Dawna dresses up Dawn ('daybreak') with an -a ending; it peaked around 1966 and has faded since.

Overall data confidence 50%

References — Dawna — Elaboration of Dawn; English 'daybreak'

Variations

DawnDonnaDawne

Nicknames

DawnieDawn

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Dawna…

Dawn— the word it elaborates

Donna— a like -na name

Shawna— a like -awna pick

Dana— a like short vintage name

Explore names like Dawna

By themeword-name vintage bright 1960s

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Dawna mean?

Dawna is a feminine elaboration of Dawn, the English word for 'daybreak.'

How do you pronounce Dawna?

It's said DAW-nuh /ˈdɔː.nə/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Dawna a boy or girl name?

Dawna is used here as a girl's name.

How popular is Dawna?

Dawna peaked in the mid-sixties and is uncommon now.