Donna

Donna has one of the most interesting experiences in terms of female name usage in the United States. The name dates back to at least the late 19th century (which is as far back as we have available data). She entered the 20th century at position #372 on the charts (1900), but it became clear very quickly that Donna was reaching for the stars. The name landed a spot on the Top 100 list in 1926 and the Top 20 by the 1940s. Donna was an enormously successful girl’s name in the United States for 50 straight years (between the mid-1920s and mid-1970s). Another example of a mid-century favorite, Donna was at the peak of her career mostly during the 1950s and 60s. Her highest achievement on the charts came in 1959-1960 at position #5. In her day, Donna was ϋber-trendy and all the rage. Not so much anymore, however. Out-dated Donna has taken the same path as her other mid-century sisters: Susan, Linda and Patricia. That is, headed into hibernation. Once bestowed on almost 40,000 baby girls annually, Donna is barely given to 50 today. Passé and unstylish by today’s naming standards, Donna recently fell off the female Top 1000 list of names currently in circulation. We think this is temporary, though. Donna is a pretty name with a “lady” like meaning – she’s sure to get rediscovered in the next generation or two.