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Updated August 7, 2024

Table of contents

Girl name origins & meanings

  • Native American : Friend, ally

What Does Dakota Mean and Stand For? 

The name Dakota means "friend" and is of Sioux, Native American origin. It is a popular name for babies of any gender.

 

Syllables: 3

Girl name variations

Boy name origins & meanings

  • Native American : Friend

How Popular Is The Name Dakota

Famous people who gave their babies this name

What Does the Name Dakota Mean? 

Dakota is a gender-neutral name of Native American origin, meaning "friend." Dakota comes from the Sioux tribe, who lived in the northern Great Plains in the land that is now the states of North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. 

Dakota was a popular boys' name in the late 20th century, but it has since become an even more popular girls' name. 

How Popular is the Name Dakota? 

Dakota is the #270 most popular girls' and #344 most popular boys' name in the U.S., according to 2021 Social Security Administration data. However, it ranks #4 on FamilyEducation.com. 

According to Google search data analysis, in the last five years Dakota was at its peak popularity in June 2020. 

Popularity of the Name Dakota in the United States

Dakota was searched for most often in the following states: 

  • South Dakota 
  • North Dakota 
  • Minnesota 
  • Nebraska
  • Wyoming 

Famous People Named Dakota and Dakota in Pop Culture 

Famous Dakota's include actresses Dakota Johnson and Dakota Fanning, actor Dakota Goyo, and country music singer Dakota Bradley. 

The name Dakota features in the TV shows The X Files and Sonny with a Chance

Pairs Well with These Middle Names

Appears on 

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