Dona

♀ Girl

Pronounced DOH-nuh /ˈdoʊ.nə/Medium

Meaning: Dona is the Spanish and Portuguese word dona, 'lady' or 'madam', from Latin domina, 'mistress of the house'. In American use it also reads as a spelling of Donna, the Italian word for 'lady'. Both routes lead back to the same Latin root.Low

In 30 seconds: A courteous word-name: Dona means 'lady' in Spanish and Portuguese, from Latin domina (said 'DOH-nuh').

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Origin LowSpanish, Italian

MeaningDona is the Spanish and Portuguese word dona, 'lady' or 'madam', from Latin domina, 'mistress of the house'. In American use it also reads as a spelling of Donna, the Italian word for 'lady'. Both routes lead back to the same Latin root.

U.S. rank (2024)#13898 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births6 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1954

Total births (all-time)≈ 18,852

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

Dona is the Spanish and Portuguese honorific dona, 'lady', from Latin domina, 'mistress of the house'. In American naming it doubles as a spelling of Donna, the Italian word for 'lady', a mid-century favorite. Both routes converge on the same Latin root, which we note (said 'DOH-nuh').

It appears only rarely in U.S. records. Rare, courteous, and vintage.

Did you know? Dona and Donna both come from Latin domina, 'lady of the house' — the same root behind 'dominant' and 'dame'. It is a title of courtesy turned given name.

Overall data confidence 45%

References — Dona — Spanish/Portuguese dona, 'lady' (Latin domina); also Donna spelling

Variations

DonnaDhonnaDonia

Nicknames

DonNona

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Dona…

Donna— the Italian 'lady' name alongside Dona

Dora— a like short vintage two-beat pick

Nona— a like Latin-rooted classic

Bella— a like Romance-language word-name

Explore names like Dona

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Dona mean?

Dona means 'lady' in Spanish and Portuguese, from Latin domina; it also reads as a spelling of Italian Donna, 'lady'.

How do you pronounce Dona?

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

Is Dona a boy or girl name?

Dona is used as a girl's name.

How popular is Dona?

Dona is a rare name for girls in the U.S.