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 experienced a significant surge in popularity from the late 1940s to the mid-1960s, peaking in 1957 with 1619 births. This period marked a distinct era of prominence for the name. However, starting from the late 1960s, there's a notable decline in its usage, reaching an all-time low in recent years, with only 20 births each in 2022 and 2023. Overall, the name Dana has been given to 53,235 newborns since 1880.