Dakota is a unique and intriguing name of Native American origin. It comes from the Sioux tribe's words "Dakhóta" or "Lakota," which mean "allies" or "friends." The name Dakota has been used historically to refer to the Dakotas, two states in the United States located in the Midwest region.
The name Dakota was popularized in American culture through various means. One notable example is the television show "Daktari," which aired from 1966 to 1969 and featured an veterinarian named Dr. Marsh Tracy, whose first name was Dakota. Additionally, the name gained popularity due to its use by celebrities such as singer-songwriter Dakoda Kopp, actresses Dakota Fanning, and Dakota Johnson.
While Dakota is traditionally considered a male name, it has been increasingly used for females in recent years. It is also gender-neutral and can be used for people of any gender identity. The name Dakota carries with it a sense of strength and independence, reflecting its Native American roots.
In terms of popularity, Dakota ranks among the top 500 names for boys and girls combined in the United States. However, it remains relatively rare compared to more common names like Emma or Noah. Despite its rarity, Dakota continues to be chosen by parents who appreciate its unique meaning and origins.
The name Dakota has had a fluctuating popularity over the years in the United States. It peaked during the mid-1990s with a total of 32 births in 1995, but since then, its popularity has steadily declined.
From 1988 to 2002, the number of babies named Dakota ranged from a low of 5 in 1988 to a high of 40 in both 1997 and 1998. However, after 2002, the popularity of the name began to decrease significantly.
Between 2003 and 2011, there were an average of only about 15 births per year with the name Dakota. The most recent data from 2016 and 2022 shows a further decline in popularity, with only 8 and 7 births respectively.
Overall, since 1988, there have been a total of 491 babies named Dakota born in the United States. Despite its early popularity, it seems that the name Dakota has fallen out of favor in recent years. However, trends can change over time, so it will be interesting to see if the name Dakota makes a comeback in future years.