Dakota
Friend, ally — a unisex name of Native American (Sioux) origin
Popularity of Dakota in the United States
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Meaning & Origin of Dakota
Dakota comes from the Dakota Sioux language, where it means "friend," "ally," or "considered friendly." The Dakota people are one of the major divisions of the Sioux nation, indigenous to the northern Great Plains of North America. The name gained popularity as a given name in the United States during the 1990s, partly inspired by the states of North and South Dakota. It is used for both boys and girls, though it has been slightly more common for boys in recent years. Dakota's association with the American frontier and its warm meaning of friendship have contributed to its widespread appeal.
Dakota Around the World
Dakota is used in 0 languages worldwide, with 1+ international variants.
TypeUnisex name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
Nicknames for Dakota
Famous People Named Dakota
- Dakota Johnson — American actress known for the "Fifty Shades" film series
- Dakota Fanning — American actress known for her roles since childhood
- Dakota Prescott — American NFL quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys
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Sibling Name Ideas for Dakota
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Dakota mean?
Dakota is a unisex name of Native American (Sioux) origin meaning "Friend, ally." Dakota comes from the Dakota Sioux language, where it means "friend," "ally," or "considered friendly." The Dakota people are one of the major divisions of the Sioux nation, indigenous to the northern Great Plains of North America.
How do you pronounce Dakota?
Dakota is pronounced duh-KOH-tuh. Common variations include Dakotah, Dacota, Dakoda.
Is Dakota a unisex name?
Yes, Dakota is traditionally a unisex name. Popular nicknames include Kota, Cody, Dee.
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