Dakota is a distinctive girls' name in England & Wales, ranking #526 in 2022 with 74 recorded births. The name reached its all-time peak in 2024 with 108 births ranking #400. Since 1996, the popularity has increased by 640.0%. In 2022, approximately 1 in every 3,561 girls born was named Dakota. STABLE Recent data shows the name is currently stable.
Dakota is a strong unisex name associated with friendship and alliance. It feels open, modern, and slightly adventurous.
The name became popular in modern American use partly through place associations and its distinctive sound. It remains important to acknowledge that it comes from an indigenous people and language, not just from general style.