unisex name · Native American origin
Dakota
/ duh-KOH-tuh /
Meaning
Dakota means Friend, ally (Native American).
Gender
Unisex
Origin
Native American
Pronunciation
duh-KOH-tuh
Popularity
#319 boys · #296 girls (U.S. 2025)
Popularity of Dakota in the US, 1880–2025
Dakota first appears in US records in 1966. It peaked in 1995, when 6,575 boys were given the name; in 2025 there were 1,074.
Source: US Social Security Administration.
Names like Dakota
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Dakota mean?
Dakota means Friend, ally. From the Dakota Sioux, “friend” or “ally.”
What is the origin of the name Dakota?
Dakota is of Native American origin.
How do you pronounce Dakota?
Dakota is pronounced “duh-KOH-tuh.”
Is Dakota a boy or a girl name?
Dakota is most commonly used as a unisex name.
How popular is the name Dakota?
In 2025, Dakota ranked #319 among boys’ and #296 among girls’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.
When was the name Dakota most popular?
Dakota was most popular in 1995, when about 6,575 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.
What are common nicknames for Dakota?
Common nicknames for Dakota include Kota.