Dakota

“Ally, friend — from the Dakota people's own name” — Dakota (Siouan) origin

Girl's name · #296 in the US (2025) · 2020s

Dakota first appeared in 1915, vanished from the records entirely for 36 years, and since returning in 1958 has climbed back to #296. About 41,000 girls have carried it in all.

Around the world: about 1 in 1,100 girls in New Zealand (2025) · about 1 in 1,800 girls in Scotland (2025) · about 1 in 1,800 girls in N. Ireland (2025).

Appears in 2020-2025 birth records of 46 states. See the full state-by-state map on this page.

Famous Dakotas

Dakota Fanning — American actress (born 1994)
Dakota Johnson — American actress (born 1989)
Dakota Blue Richards — English actress
Dakota Kai — New Zealand professional wrestler
Dakota Staton — American jazz vocalist (1930-2007)

In stories & tradition

Dakota North — Earth-616
Dakota Knight — Law & Order: Special Victims Unit

What Dakotas become

Among 108 notable people named Dakota:

Entertainers appear 2.51× more often than among typical names — e.g. Dakota Fanning, American actress (born 1994).

Similar names: Aspen · Daniela · Renata · Aiyana · Alayna · Makenna

Browse more girl names — popularity, trends and eras for 5,700+ American names, free.

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