gender neutral
Dakota
friend, ally
About Dakota
This geographical name brings vast, open spaces and adventurous spirit to mind, evoking the American frontier's freedom and possibility. Dakota has successfully transitioned from place name to personal name, appealing to parents drawn to nature-inspired choices with cultural significance. The name's three syllables create a pleasant rhythm, and its soft consonants give it an approachable quality despite its strong character. Dakota's gender-neutral history provides flexibility, though it works beautifully for boys. The name suggests independence, resilience, and connection to land and heritage. Its familiarity ensures easy recognition while maintaining enough distinctiveness to feel special. Parents choosing Dakota often value outdoor traditions and appreciate names that tell stories.
Popularity of the Name Dakota
Rank among the 1,000 most popular baby names, by year.
| United States | New Zealand | Ireland | Canada | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 | #869 | |||
| 1986 | #488 | |||
| 1987 | #421 | |||
| 1988 | #363 | |||
| 1989 | #296 | |||
| 1990 | #195 | |||
| 1991 | #121 | #196 | ||
| 1992 | #103 | #160 | ||
| 1993 | #85 | #138 | ||
| 1994 | #69 | #123 | ||
| 1995 | #56 | #361 | #107 | |
| 1996 | #58 | #118 | ||
| 1997 | #66 | #283 | #130 | |
| 1998 | #72 | #329 | #131 | |
| 1999 | #77 | #300 | #147 | |
| 2000 | #88 | #160 | ||
| 2001 | #93 | #156 | ||
| 2002 | #107 | #344 | #177 | |
| 2003 | #126 | #359 | #169 | |
| 2004 | #137 | #306 | #190 | |
| 2005 | #148 | #314 | #550 | #236 |
| 2006 | #172 | #313 | #269 | |
| 2007 | #202 | #363 | ||
| 2008 | #226 | #358 | ||
| 2009 | #251 | #464 | ||
| 2010 | #292 | #367 | #474 | |
| 2011 | #312 | #473 | ||
| 2012 | #328 | #564 | ||
| 2013 | #350 | #581 | ||
| 2014 | #358 | #878 | ||
| 2015 | #356 | #650 | ||
| 2016 | #376 | #634 | ||
| 2017 | #340 | #742 | ||
| 2018 | #349 | #383 | #698 | |
| 2019 | #344 | #744 | ||
| 2020 | #346 | #855 | ||
| 2021 | #340 | #699 | ||
| 2022 | #347 | #699 | ||
| 2023 | #328 | #423 | #759 | |
| 2024 | #326 | #579 | ||
| 2025 | #319 | #594 |
Top names by country: United States · New Zealand · Ireland · Canada
Variations of Name Dakota
Names Similar to Dakota
Nicknames for Dakota
- Dak
- Kota
- Cody
- Taki
- D.K.
Famous People Named Dakota
| Dakota Johnson | American actress |
| Dakota Fanning | American actress |
| Dakota Goyo | Canadian actor |
| Dakota Meyer | American Marine Corps veteran and Medal of Honor recipient |
| Dakota Blue Richards | British actress |
| Dakota Bratt | American social media personality |
| Dakota Laden | American paranormal investigator |
| Dakota Staton | American jazz vocalist |
| Dakota Roche | American professional BMX rider |
| Dakota Fred Hurt | American gold miner featured on reality TV show "Gold Rush" |
| Dakota Darsow | American professional wrestler |
| Dakota Jones | American ultrarunner and mountain athlete |
| Dakota Kai | New Zealand professional wrestler |
| Dakota Lupo | American artist and illustrator |
| Dakota Schuetz | American professional scooter rider |
| Dakota Allen | American football player |
| Dakota Bradley | American country singer |
| Dakota Pfeiffer | American YouTuber |
| Dakota Hood | American actress |
| Dakota Blackhorse-von Jess | American cross-country skier |
Characters Named Dakota
| Dakota Rhodes | Character in the TV series "Melrose Place" |
| Dakota Dusk | Character in the video game "Bulletstorm" |
| Dakota Milton | Character in the movie "Zoolander" |
| Dakota Kekoa | Character in the TV series "Hawaii Five-0" |
| Dakota "Dak" Greenbriar | Character in the video game "Gone Home" |
| Dakota Harrison | Character in the TV series "Desperate Housewives" |
| Dakota Smith | Character in the movie "The Hateful Eight" |
| Dakota Schaeffer | Character in the TV series "The Killing" |
| Dakota Williams | Character in the TV series "American Gods" |
| Dakota Remington | Character in the movie "Bratz - The Movie" |
| Dakota Block | Character in the movie "Planet Terror" |
| Dakota Burns | Character in the TV series "Mighty Med" |
| Dakota North | Marvel Comics character |
| Dakota Buchanan | Character in the TV series "Passions" |
| Dakota Mayi Johnson | Character in the movie "Fifty Shades of Grey" |
| Dakota Winchester | Character in the online game "Dakota Winchester's Adventures" |
| Dakota O'Keefe | Character in the movie "The Sitter" |
| Dakota Condor | Character in the TV series "River City" |
| Dakota Shapiro | Character in the movie "The Place Beyond the Pines" |
| Dakota Taylor | Character in the TV series "The Fosters" |