Dakota: Meaning, origin and popularity
Pronounced duh-KOH-tuh · 3 syllables
Dakota means “ally”, from Native American.
Borrowed from Dakota dakhota (“ally”).
- Meaning
- ally
- Origin
- Native American
- Pronunciation
- duh-KOH-tuh
- US rank (2025)
- #295
- US babies a year
- about 2,163 (2021–2025)
- Peak
- around 1990
How popular is Dakota?
Dakota was the #295 name in the US in 2025, given to 2,109 babies. Its use has been fairly steady over the last decade. It peaked around 1990.
Around the world
| Country | Rank |
|---|---|
| United States | #295 |
| England & Wales | #521 |
| Scotland | #471 |
| Northern Ireland | #246 |
| Ireland | #846 |
| Canada | #917 |
| Australia | #188 |
How old are people named Dakota?
Half of US adults named Dakota are older than 28; most are between 19 and 36. (Estimated from US births by year and life tables.)
Names like Dakota
Chosen by the same families or with a similar style and era.
On these lists
Questions about Dakota
What does the name Dakota mean?
Dakota means “ally”. It comes from Native American.
How do you pronounce Dakota?
Dakota is pronounced duh-KOH-tuh.
How popular is the name Dakota?
Dakota was the #295 name in the US in 2025, given to 2,109 babies. Its use has been fairly steady over the last decade. It peaked around 1990.
How old are people named Dakota?
Half of US adults named Dakota are older than 28. Most are between 19 and 36.