Dakota
Dakota is a Native American name derived from the Dakota Sioux tribe, meaning "friend" or "ally" in the Siouan language. It carries a strong connection to American heritage and the Great Plains region.
Current Popularity
#328 for boys
in the United States (2024)
Popularity over time
Good to Know
- •Unisex name, though increasingly popular for boys
- •Easy to spell and pronounce
- •Strong geographical association with North and South Dakota
- •Honors Native American heritage and should be used respectfully
Similar Names
Famous People
Dakota Fanning
Actress (note: female, but most famous Dakota)
Dakota Meyer
U.S. Marine and Medal of Honor recipient
Dakota Goyo
Canadian actor
Dakota Blue Richards
British actress (note: female)
Statistics
92,020
Total births since 1880
1995
Peak year
Discovery
Keep exploring
Use these paths to keep browsing instead of backing out into a blank search.
Rising now
Browse trending names
See names climbing fastest right now.
Always popular
Explore timeless classics
Find names that have stayed strong for decades.
For this gender
See all-time favorites
Jump into the broadest popularity list.
Stories
Read famous-name profiles
Follow cultural stories that shaped naming trends.
Guides
Browse recent articles
Move from inspiration into editorial advice.