Dakota
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.
Is Dakota popular?
Declining Dakota is given less often than it was a decade ago, well below its 1995 peak.
| 2020s | 5,974 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 9,667 | |
| 2000s | 28,181 | |
| 1990s | 46,649 | |
| 1980s | 2,457 | |
| 1970s | 180 | |
| 1960s | 10 |
Counts from US Social Security Administration data, 1880–2025.
What does Dakota mean?
Dakota comes from the name of the Dakota (Sioux) people, meaning “friend” or “ally” in their language. It is used for both boys and girls.
Nicknames for Dakota
- Kota
- Cody
Variants & spellings
- Dakotah
- Dacota
Names like Dakota
Native American names with a similar feel and popularity.
Explore related names
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Dakota mean?
Dakota means Friend, ally. Dakota comes from the name of the Dakota (Sioux) people, meaning “friend” or “ally” in their language. It is used for both boys and girls.
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.
Is Dakota a popular name right now?
Dakota is given less often than it was a decade ago, well below its 1995 peak.
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, Cody.
What names are similar to Dakota?
Names similar to Dakota include Cheyenne, Sierra, Aspen, River.