Dayne is a unisex given name of Irish and Scottish origin, meaning "from Denmark" or "from the dark one". It has been used for centuries but gained popularity as a male name in the mid-20th century. Dayne is also associated with the Old Norse name Dag (Daeg), which means "day" or "light", suggesting a connection to ancient Scandinavian culture. Despite its Irish and Scottish heritage, Dayne was popularized in North America during the 1980s and 1990s, particularly among parents seeking unique yet approachable names for their children.
The name Dayne experienced fluctuations in popularity over the years, with a significant peak in births occurring in 1990, totaling 15 babies named Dayne that year. The most consistent periods of usage were between 1974 and 1983, as well as from 1996 to 2008, with an average of around 7-8 births per year during these decades. However, there was a notable decline in popularity starting from the late 1980s until the early 2000s, with fewer than 10 births per year recorded during this period. The most recent data shows a slight resurgence, with 6 births in 2021 and 5 in 2023. Overall, the name Dayne has been given to a total of 206 babies over these years.