Dawna Girl

Popularity: — · Trend: ↘ Falling

Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: DAWN-uh //ˈdɔː.nə//

Origin: English; Hebrew

Meaning: English: 'daughter'; Hebrew: 'to be a light'

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Dawna is derived from the English word "dawn," which has its roots in the Old English term "dæge," meaning "day." This term is related to the Proto-Germanic *dagaz, which also signifies "day" or "light." The transition from the Old English to the modern form reflects the linguistic evolution within the Germanic language family, ultimately leading to the use of "dawn" in Middle English before it was adopted into contemporary English. The name Dawna, as a feminine form, emerged as a derivative of this term, symbolizing the beginning of a new day and often associated with hope and renewal.

Historically, the concept of dawn has been significant in various cultures, often symbolizing new beginnings and the cyclical nature of life. In literature, dawn has been a recurring theme, representing enlightenment and the dispelling of darkness.

The name Dawna, while not commonly found in historical texts or records, resonates with the broader cultural significance of dawn in poetry and prose throughout the centuries. It evokes imagery of light breaking through the night, a theme that has been celebrated in various artistic expressions.

In terms of cultural resonance, the name Dawna embodies the qualities of brightness and optimism, often associated with the dawn of a new day. This symbolism has made it a meaningful choice for many, reflecting a sense of renewal and the promise of new opportunities.

The name may also have diminutive forms or variations, such as Dawn, which further emphasize its connection to the concept of light and beginnings. Overall, Dawna carries with it a rich tapestry of linguistic and cultural significance, rooted in the natural world and human experience.

Famous people named Dawna

In this section, you will find notable people named Dawna. We include individuals across a wide range of fields, including actors known for their work in film, television, and stage productions. You'll also find musicians, directors, and other public figures named Dawna who have made a significant impact on popular culture.

We also feature individuals named Dawna who have made meaningful contributions to science, politics, athletics, literature, and other areas of public interest.

Please note that not every baby name in our database currently has a famous namesake listed. If you would like to suggest a name we may have missed or submit a correction, feel free to contact us. We review and finalize additions and corrections within 24 hours.

Dawna Friesen is a journalist best known for her work with Global News and NBC News.

Sibling suggestions

If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Dawna, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.

DawnLanaTinaMinaRenaNina

Similar names

Based on our extensive baby names database, several names share stylistic or phonetic similarities with Dawna. 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.

DianaDeannaDonnaDanaDarlaDeliaDaphne

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Dawna was first seen in the United States in 1919.

Dawna has ranked as high as #1033 nationally, which occurred in 1966, and has been most popular in California, Pennsylvania, Texas, Ohio, and Massachusetts.

In the past 5 years the name Dawna has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

The name Dawna 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 Dawna 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 Dawna.

Year Total Births Girl
2023 5 5
2017 6 6
2015 7 7
2013 5 5
2012 6 6
2010 7 7
2009 6 6
2008 10 10
2006 12 12
2005 7 7
2004 6 6
2003 8 8
2002 10 10
2001 6 6
2000 10 10
1999 19 19
1998 6 6
1997 24 24
1996 22 22
1995 19 19
1994 25 25
1993 34 34
1992 30 30
1991 30 30
1990 39 39
1989 42 42
1988 42 42
1987 40 40
1986 45 45
1985 37 37
1984 57 57
1983 49 49
1982 76 76
1981 91 91
1980 96 96
1979 73 73
1978 63 63
1977 66 66
1976 92 92
1975 118 118
1974 117 117
1973 107 107
1972 159 159
1971 169 169
1970 195 195
1969 200 200
1968 233 233
1967 227 227
1966 264 264
1965 233 233
1964 258 258
1963 210 210
1962 180 180
1961 177 177
1960 175 175
1959 168 168
1958 152 152
1957 156 156
1956 234 234
1955 91 91
1954 79 79
1953 63 63
1952 51 51
1951 66 66
1950 53 53
1949 40 40
1948 45 45
1947 53 53
1946 43 43
1945 40 40
1944 32 32
1943 28 28
1942 39 39
1941 28 28
1940 27 27
1939 19 19
1938 25 25
1937 10 10
1936 20 20
1935 20 20
1934 22 22
1933 19 19
1932 15 15
1931 17 17
1930 13 13
1929 15 15
1928 5 5
1927 13 13
1926 12 12
1925 11 11
1924 11 11
1923 10 10
1922 6 6
1921 10 10
1919 6 6

Top States for Dawna (1997)

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
OK 5
100%