Diana, derived from the Latin word 'divina,' meaning divine or heavenly, is a feminine given name of ancient Roman origin. It was originally used as a title for the goddess Diana in Roman mythology, who was revered as the protector of women and children, and associated with the moon, hunting, and childbirth. The name became popular during the Middle Ages and has continued to be widely used up until today. Notable figures bearing this name include Diana, Princess of Wales, a prominent member of the British royal family, and Diana Ross, an American singer and actress.
The name Diana saw a consistent increase in popularity from the late 1940s to the mid-1980s, with a notable spike occurring between 1982 and 1987 (ranging from 30 to 46 births annually). However, its popularity declined significantly from the late 1980s onwards, with fewer than 20 births per year recorded since 1990. Between 1926 and 2008, a total of 1285 babies named Diana were born in this particular data set.