Dagan Boy
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: DAH-gahn //ˈdɑːɡən//
Origin: Hebrew; Arabic
Meaning: Hebrew: grain; Arabic: a form of the name Dagan
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Dagan has its roots in ancient Semitic languages, specifically deriving from the Hebrew word "דָּג" (dag), meaning "fish." This etymology suggests a connection to fertility and abundance, as fish were often associated with these themes in various ancient cultures. The name appears in various forms across different Semitic languages, including Akkadian, where it is also linked to a deity of agriculture and grain, further emphasizing its connotations of sustenance and prosperity.
The transition of the name into English likely occurred through biblical texts and translations, particularly during the periods of the Hebrew Bible's influence on Christian texts. Historically, Dagan is associated with the Canaanite god of grain and agriculture, which indicates its significance in ancient Near Eastern cultures.
The worship of Dagan is documented in various inscriptions and texts from the second millennium BCE, highlighting his importance in the pantheon of deities worshipped by the Canaanites and later by the Israelites. In the biblical context, the name appears in references to the Philistine god Dagon, who is mentioned in the Book of Judges and the First Book of Samuel, where the Philistines capture the Ark of the Covenant and place it in the temple of Dagon, illustrating the cultural and religious interactions of the time.
The name Dagan carries symbolic weight, often associated with agricultural abundance and divine favor. Its historical resonance is further reinforced by its use in various cultures and languages, reflecting a broader appreciation for its meanings.
In some traditions, diminutive forms or variations of the name may exist, though they are less documented. Overall, Dagan encapsulates a rich tapestry of linguistic, historical, and cultural significance that has endured through the ages.
Sibling suggestions
If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Dagan, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.
Similar names
Based on our extensive baby names database, several names share stylistic or phonetic similarities with Dagan. These names can serve as alternatives to the sibling suggestions listed above and may help you find the perfect complementary name for your growing family.
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Dagan was first seen in the United States in 1969.
Dagan has ranked as high as #4347 nationally, which occurred in 2003, and has been most popular in Texas, California, Virginia, Michigan, and Arkansas.
In the past 5 years the name Dagan has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
The name Dagan is part of our comprehensive baby names database, which includes Social Security Administration (SSA) data dating back to 1880—the first official year of state and national tracking. The chart below shows when Dagan was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
We track the national popularity of each baby name annually. The table below displays each year along with the number of births reported by the Social Security Administration. This data combines all state-level reporting from the SSA's baby names database to provide a comprehensive view of overall birth counts for Dagan.
| Year | Total Births | Boy | Girl |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 5 | 5 | 0 |
| 2023 | 8 | 8 | 0 |
| 2021 | 8 | 8 | 0 |
| 2020 | 13 | 13 | 0 |
| 2019 | 5 | 5 | 0 |
| 2018 | 12 | 12 | 0 |
| 2017 | 10 | 10 | 0 |
| 2016 | 17 | 17 | 0 |
| 2015 | 13 | 13 | 0 |
| 2014 | 17 | 17 | 0 |
| 2013 | 14 | 14 | 0 |
| 2012 | 22 | 22 | 0 |
| 2011 | 32 | 32 | 0 |
| 2010 | 19 | 19 | 0 |
| 2009 | 32 | 32 | 0 |
| 2008 | 45 | 45 | 0 |
| 2007 | 55 | 55 | 0 |
| 2006 | 53 | 53 | 0 |
| 2005 | 55 | 55 | 0 |
| 2004 | 53 | 53 | 0 |
| 2003 | 63 | 58 | 5 |
| 2002 | 49 | 49 | 0 |
| 2001 | 38 | 38 | 0 |
| 2000 | 41 | 36 | 5 |
| 1999 | 30 | 30 | 0 |
| 1998 | 35 | 35 | 0 |
| 1997 | 27 | 27 | 0 |
| 1996 | 26 | 26 | 0 |
| 1995 | 18 | 18 | 0 |
| 1994 | 17 | 17 | 0 |
| 1993 | 19 | 19 | 0 |
| 1992 | 13 | 13 | 0 |
| 1991 | 19 | 19 | 0 |
| 1990 | 11 | 11 | 0 |
| 1987 | 11 | 11 | 0 |
| 1986 | 6 | 6 | 0 |
| 1985 | 14 | 14 | 0 |
| 1984 | 12 | 12 | 0 |
| 1983 | 11 | 11 | 0 |
| 1982 | 9 | 9 | 0 |
| 1981 | 12 | 12 | 0 |
| 1980 | 10 | 10 | 0 |
| 1979 | 18 | 18 | 0 |
| 1978 | 14 | 14 | 0 |
| 1977 | 12 | 12 | 0 |
| 1976 | 13 | 13 | 0 |
| 1975 | 8 | 8 | 0 |
| 1974 | 16 | 16 | 0 |
| 1973 | 7 | 7 | 0 |
| 1971 | 9 | 9 | 0 |
| 1970 | 6 | 6 | 0 |
| 1969 | 5 | 5 | 0 |
Top States for Dagan (2011)
We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. The table below shows the five states with the highest number of births for this name in the selected year. Use the toggle to expand the list to every state with reported births.
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| TX | 5 |