Log in · Sign up

Donna Girl

Popularity: #848 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Origin(s)

PronunciationDAWN-uh / /ˈdɒn.ə/

Italian; Latin

Meaning

Italian: Lady; Latin: Gift

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Donna has its roots in the Italian word "donna," which translates to "woman" or "lady." This term derives from the Latin "domina," meaning "mistress" or "lady of the house," which itself comes from the root "domus," meaning "house" or "home." The transition of the name into English occurred through the influence of Italian culture and language, particularly during the Renaissance when Italian art and literature gained prominence in England. The name was adopted in English-speaking countries, particularly in the 20th century, as a direct borrowing from Italian, reflecting a broader appreciation for Italian culture.

Historically, the name Donna has been associated with various notable figures and cultural references. In literature, it appears in works such as Dante Alighieri's "Divine Comedy" from the early 14th century, where the term is used to convey respect and admiration for women. Additionally, the name has been borne by various saints and noblewomen throughout history, contributing to its enduring presence in European culture. The name's usage in English literature and its adoption in various artistic contexts helped solidify its place in the lexicon of names.

Culturally, the name Donna carries connotations of elegance and femininity, often associated with grace and dignity. In the 20th century, it became popularized through various cultural mediums, including music and film, which further entrenched its significance in Western culture. The name is sometimes affectionately shortened to "Donnie" or "Dona," though these forms are less commonly used. Overall, Donna reflects a rich linguistic heritage and a deep cultural resonance that has allowed it to persist through the centuries.

Trend Summary

The name Donna experienced peak popularity in the mid-20th century but has since declined in usage.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Dona

International Variants

  • Dona (Spanish)
  • Donnah (Irish)

Famous people named Donna

Donna Summer is a singer and songwriter best known for Hot Stuff, Last Dance, and Bad Girls.

Donna Karan is a fashion designer best known for founding DKNY and her signature collection.

Donna Tartt is an author best known for The Secret History, The Little Friend, and The Goldfinch.

Donna Reed is an actress best known for It's a Wonderful Life, The Donna Reed Show, and From Here to Eternity.

Donna Lewis is a singer-songwriter best known for I Love You Always Forever and Without Love.

Fictional characters named Donna

Donna Noble is a fictional character from the TV series Doctor Who. She is a companion of the Tenth Doctor who plays a crucial role in several story arcs, known for her strong personality and humor.

Donna Pinciotti is a fictional character from the TV series That '70s Show. She is a main character who navigates her teenage years and relationships with her friends and family in the 1970s.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Donna was first seen in the United States in 1880. Donna has ranked as high as #14 nationally, which occurred in 1959, and has been most popular in New York, Pennsylvania, California, Illinois, and Ohio. In the past 5 years the name Donna has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Donna (2024)

StateBirthsShare
CA 19
43%
TX 9
20%
OH 6
14%
NY 5
11%
NV 5
11%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
188017
188115
188219
188321
188422
188526
188629
188738
188837
188941
189033
189137
189243
189342
189444
189544
189640
189753
189852
189952
190079
190153
190255
190378
190461
190559
190684
1907100
190898
1909123
1910107
1911149
1912227
1913266
1914283
1915483
1916606
1917652
1918746
1919774
1920959
19211,111
19221,349
19231,578
19242,125
19252,429
19263,008
19273,992
19284,470
19295,139
19305,978
19316,600
19327,362
19337,360
19347,870
19357,793
19367,932
19378,887
19389,693
19399,371
19409,232
194110,446
194212,986
194314,914
194415,173
194515,398
194619,767
194723,518
194822,033
194922,056
195021,629
195124,075
195223,716
195324,226
195427,428
195527,941
195629,852
195728,042
195826,955
195936,469
196034,138
196128,674
196225,722
196325,406
196423,807
196519,700
196617,037
196714,787
196812,749
196911,447
19709,969
19718,014
19726,256
19735,058
19744,354
19753,422
19763,032
19772,581
19782,459
19792,199
19802,009
19811,700
19821,530
19831,378
19841,181
19851,191
1986992
19871,031
19881,040
1989992
1990861
1991739
1992680
1993581
1994662
1995492
1996420
1997422
1998433
1999373
2000370
2001355
2002376
2003323
2004331
2005305
2006325
2007261
2008277
2009262
2010258
2011199
2012188
2013176
2014162
2015160
2016118
2017124
2018139
2019116
2020136
2021105
2022101
202399
2024102