The name Dana is of Irish origin and it means "little" or "short". It is derived from the Gaelic word "dana", which has the same meaning.
The name Dana has been used in Ireland for centuries, but its popularity as a given name for girls has increased significantly in recent years. It is often associated with the Irish goddess of wisdom and craftsmanship, Anu Dana, who was believed to grant inspiration and creativity to those who invoked her.
In literature, Dana appears as a character in several works, including "The Dana Girls Mystery Series" by Carolyn Keene, and "Dana's Devotion" by Emily Carroll. In popular culture, notable individuals named Dana include American actress Dana Ivey, Canadian singer-songwriter Dana Gascon, and Australian swimmer Dawn Fraser (born Dana Ferguson).
Overall, the name Dana is a unique and beautiful choice for a girl, with a rich history and meaningful origin that spans centuries of Irish tradition and culture.
The name Dana has been given to a total of 53,235 babies born in the United States since 1880, according to the data provided. The popularity of the name Dana has fluctuated significantly over the years, with periods of high usage followed by periods of decline.
In the early years, from 1880 to 1900, the number of babies named Dana ranged from a low of 6 births in some years to a high of 19 births in 1900. The average number of births per year during this period was approximately 12.
However, starting from around 1910, there was a notable increase in the usage of the name Dana. In 1911, there were 26 births, and by 1914, that number had risen to 89 births. The peak of popularity for the name Dana occurred between the years 1945 and 1957, with the highest number of births recorded in 1953 at 1,741.
After this peak, there was a gradual decline in the usage of the name Dana. From 1960 onwards, the number of babies named Dana decreased steadily each year, reaching an all-time low of 20 births in both 2022 and 2023.
Despite the recent decrease in popularity, the name Dana has been consistently used for over a century in the United States. It is interesting to note that the name's peak popularity coincides with the post-World War II baby boom era, suggesting that cultural trends and events may have influenced parents' choices of names during this time.