Dakota is a unique and intriguing name of Native American origin. It comes from the Sioux tribe's words "Dakhóta" or "Lakota," which mean "allies" or "friends." The name Dakota has been used historically to refer to the Dakotas, two states in the United States located in the Midwest region.
The name Dakota was popularized in American culture through various means. One notable example is the television show "Daktari," which aired from 1966 to 1969 and featured an veterinarian named Dr. Marsh Tracy, whose first name was Dakota. Additionally, the name gained popularity due to its use by celebrities such as singer-songwriter Dakoda Kopp, actresses Dakota Fanning, and Dakota Johnson.
While Dakota is traditionally considered a male name, it has been increasingly used for females in recent years. It is also gender-neutral and can be used for people of any gender identity. The name Dakota carries with it a sense of strength and independence, reflecting its Native American roots.
In terms of popularity, Dakota ranks among the top 500 names for boys and girls combined in the United States. However, it remains relatively rare compared to more common names like Emma or Noah. Despite its rarity, Dakota continues to be chosen by parents who appreciate its unique meaning and origins.
The name Dacota experienced significant popularity between the late 1980s and mid-1990s, with a peak of 40 births in both 1997 and 1998. However, since then, its popularity has sharply declined, with fewer than 20 births per year from 2003 onwards, and as low as 6 births in 2010. As of 2022, there were only 7 recorded births with the name Dacota. In total, since 1988, there have been 491 babies named Dacota.