Dakota: meaning and origin
Dakota
“Friend, ally; from the Dakota people and the US states”
About the name Dakota
Dakota is a girl’s name from the English tradition. Its meaning is “friend, ally; from the Dakota people and the US states”. Names from Old English and English words and surnames — like Harper, Hudson, Willow and Wyatt.
It has a modern feel and has become more common in the US in recent decades.
More names with a similar meaning: names that mean love or beloved.
Tips before you choose
- Say the full name out loud with your last name, and with any middle name.
- Check the initials — and what they spell.
- Think about nicknames kids might make from it.
- Write it down: is the spelling easy for teachers and friends?
More English names
- Arden 🧒Valley of the eagle · English
- Ash 🧒The ash tree · English
- Audrey 👧Noble strength · English
- Autumn 👧The fall season · English
- Avery 🧒Ruler of the elves · English
- Blake 🧒Pale, or dark · English
- Brooklyn 👧Broken land, stream; the New York borough · English
- Daisy 👧Day’s eye; the daisy flower · English
- Ellie 👧Light; a short form of Eleanor and Ellen · English
- Ember 👧A glowing piece of coal · English
- Evelyn 👧Wished-for child; from an old surname · English
- Everly 👧From a surname meaning a wild boar’s clearing · English
Sibling name ideas (English, boys)
- Archer 👦Bowman · English
- Brooks 👦Of the brook, small stream · English
- Carter 👦Cart driver · English
- Colton 👦Coal town · English
- Cooper 👦Barrel maker · English
- Easton 👦East-facing place · English
- Edward 👦Wealthy guardian · English
- Forest 👦Woods, woodland · English
More girl names starting with D
- Dahlia 👧The dahlia flower, named for the botanist Anders Dahl · Scandinavian
- Daisy 👧Day’s eye; the daisy flower · English
- Daniela 👧God is my judge · Hebrew
- Daphne 👧Laurel tree · Greek
- Deja 👧Already; from French déjà · African American
- Delilah 👧Delicate · Hebrew
Questions and answers
What does the name Dakota mean?
Dakota is a name of English origin. It means: friend, ally; from the Dakota people and the US states.
Is Dakota a boy or girl name?
Dakota is usually given to girls.
How many syllables does Dakota have?
Dakota has 6 letters and about 3 syllables.