gender neutral
Dakota
friend, ally
About Dakota
This spirited name carries the essence of wide-open landscapes and untamed beauty. It evokes images of strength tempered with grace, perfectly suited for a child who will grow to embrace both adventure and compassion. The name suggests independence and a free spirit, qualities that resonate with modern parents seeking something distinctive yet grounded. Dakota flows naturally in conversation while maintaining a memorable presence that stands apart from more traditional choices. Its contemporary feel bridges cultural boundaries, making it accessible while retaining character. For families who value individuality and natural beauty, this name offers a fresh alternative that honors both boldness and authenticity. The two-syllable structure provides easy pronunciation across languages, and its unisex history adds depth without diminishing its femininity when chosen for a daughter. Dakota represents possibility—a name for a girl who will chart her own course with confidence.
Popularity of the Name Dakota
Rank among the 1,000 most popular baby names, by year.
| United States | United Kingdom | New Zealand | Ireland | Canada | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 | #595 | ||||
| 1991 | #400 | #307 | |||
| 1992 | #346 | #308 | |||
| 1993 | #355 | #313 | |||
| 1994 | #306 | #290 | |||
| 1995 | #252 | #361 | #225 | ||
| 1996 | #274 | #375 | #265 | ||
| 1997 | #250 | #249 | |||
| 1998 | #247 | #224 | |||
| 1999 | #269 | #273 | |||
| 2000 | #296 | #253 | |||
| 2001 | #330 | #323 | |||
| 2002 | #323 | #274 | |||
| 2003 | #340 | #261 | |||
| 2004 | #278 | #219 | |||
| 2005 | #225 | #671 | #336 | #738 | #202 |
| 2006 | #190 | #480 | #131 | #199 | |
| 2007 | #239 | #540 | #255 | #243 | |
| 2008 | #266 | #565 | #192 | #914 | #283 |
| 2009 | #274 | #548 | #237 | #346 | |
| 2010 | #285 | #476 | #178 | #785 | #323 |
| 2011 | #294 | #575 | #230 | #818 | #463 |
| 2012 | #308 | #482 | #210 | #510 | |
| 2013 | #293 | #485 | #340 | #930 | #606 |
| 2014 | #283 | #485 | #303 | #548 | #542 |
| 2015 | #242 | #440 | #284 | #602 | #549 |
| 2016 | #227 | #412 | #307 | #599 | #604 |
| 2017 | #231 | #419 | #198 | #658 | #566 |
| 2018 | #246 | #378 | #271 | #477 | #643 |
| 2019 | #259 | #406 | #352 | #457 | #619 |
| 2020 | #257 | #480 | #210 | #614 | #634 |
| 2021 | #270 | #438 | #344 | #461 | #712 |
| 2022 | #259 | #491 | #302 | #567 | |
| 2023 | #262 | #472 | #255 | #634 | #791 |
| 2024 | #273 | #392 | #223 | #564 | #917 |
| 2025 | #296 | #461 | #312 | #898 | #837 |
Top names by country: United States · United Kingdom · New Zealand · Ireland · Canada
Variations of Name Dakota
Names Similar to Dakota
Nicknames for Dakota
- Dak
- Kota
- Koty
- Dede
Famous People Named Dakota
| Dakota Fanning | American actress |
| Dakota Johnson | American actress |
| Dakota Blue Richards | British actress |
| Dakota Kai | Cheree Crowley - New Zealand professional wrestler |
| Dakota Brant | Mohawk Nation activist and model |
| Dakota Gonzalez | American basketball player and singer |
| Dakota Skye | Lauren Kaye Scott - American pornographic actress |
| Dakota Blackhorse-von Jess | American cross-country skier |
| Dakota Staton | American jazz vocalist |
| Dakota Butterfield | American beauty pageant winner |
| Dakota Cochrane | American mixed martial artist |
| Dakota Hood | American actress and singer |
| Dakota Darsow | American professional wrestler |
| Dakota Blue Hunt | American actress and model |
| Dakota Bradley | American country music singer |
| Dakota Lupo | Australian artist and designer |
| Dakota Laden | American filmmaker and TV personality |
| Dakota Parker | American soccer player |
| Dakota Jones | American ultramarathon runner |
| Dakota Ann Wright | American softball player |
Characters Named Dakota
| Dakota Johnson | Character in the TV series "Ben and Kate" |
| Dakota Cassidy | Character in the book series "Accidental Friends" by Lisa Papademetriou |
| Dakota Skye | Protagonist in the movie "Dakota Skye" portrayed by Eileen April Boylan |
| Dakota Milton | Character in the TV series "Titans" portrayed by Conor Leslie |
| Dakota Frost | Character in the book series "Blood, Stone, Ink" by Anthony Francis |
| Dakota Kekoa | Character in the TV series "Hawaii Five-O" portrayed by Grace Park |
| Dakota North | Marvel Comics character and private investigator |
| Dakota Rose | Character in the book "The Boys Next Door" by Jennifer Echols |
| Dakota Harris | Character in the TV series "The Real O'Neals" portrayed by Ramona Young |