Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Dana

An etymological study of the name Dana is rather multifaceted. Some consider it the feminized version of the name Dane, indicating people who are from Denmark. It may also be related to the name Daniel, a Hebrew name meaning “God is my judge” (as a feminized pet form). Further, the name “dana” in Arabic means ‘pearl’ and the name Dana (or Danah) is used for girls in the Arab world. It is mainly our belief, however, that the name Dana is derived from Celtic mythology and one of the oldest names in Celtic tradition. The goddess Dana, also called Danu, was the Mother Goddess in Celtic Mythology who is associated with power, generosity and knowledge. The Gaelic word "dána” means ‘brave, daring.’ The name can be pronounced with the first syllable rhyming with either “rain” or “ran.”

All About the Baby Name – Dana

Personality

OF THE GIRL NAME DANA

The Number 2 personality in numerology is all about cooperation and balance. It's the number of diplomats and mediators. They are not leaders, but strive rather for harmony in partnerships. These are the peacemakers. Equality and fairness are important in their dealings, and they are willing to share power and responsibility to achieve a harmonious outcome. This personality is calm and patient, waiting for things to evolve instead of pushing aggressively for an outcome. They are good-natured and easy-going, and care deeply on an emotional and spiritual plane. Twos appreciate beauty and nature and are intent on making the world a better place.

Popularity

OF THE GIRL NAME DANA

The name Dana is traditionally unisex, but it’s no longer on the American popularity charts for boys so we’re calling it exclusively female. It hovered near the bottom of the top 1,000 most popular girl names in the United States until it began a steady climb in the 1930s. Dana reached the very peak of its popularity in 1971 when it rose to #44. By 2010, the name is barely hanging onto a spot on the Top 500 preferred names for girls. The favored pronunciation of the name is “DAY-na” but we prefer the lesser used “DAH-na” which gives it an added edge and uniqueness.

Quick Facts

ON DANA

GENDER:

Girl

ORIGIN:

Celtic

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

2

RANKING POPULARITY:

728

PRONUNCIATION:

DAY-na or DAH-na

SIMPLE MEANING:

Brave, generous, wise

Characteristics

OF DANA

Cooperative

Considerate

Compassionate

Nurturing

Sensitive

Patient

Loving

Kind

Gracious

Balanced

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Dana

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME DANA

We cannot find any significant literary characters by the name of Dana

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME DANA

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Dana


Popular Songs

ON DANA

O, Dana
a song by Big Star

Famous People

NAMED DANA

Dana Andrews (actor)
Dana Carvey (comedian)
Dana Delany (actress)
Dana King (news anchor)
Dana Buchman (designer)
Dana Andrews (actor)
Dana Carvey (comedian)
Dana Delany (actress)
Dana King (news anchor)
Dana Buchman (designer)
Dana Andrews (actor)
Dana Carvey (comedian)
Dana Delany (actress)
Dana King (news anchor)
Dana Buchman (designer)

Children of Famous People

NAMED DANA

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Dana

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME DANA

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Dana