Declining since 1985.
Popularity of Dawna since 1919
Babies named Dawna per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 6 |
| 1920s | 93 |
| 1930s | 180 |
| 1940s | 375 |
| 1950s | 1,113 |
| 1960s | 2,157 |
| 1970s | 1,159 |
| 1980s | 575 |
| 1990s | 248 |
| 2000s | 75 |
| 2010s | 31 |
| 2020s | 5 |
Meaning & origin
Dawna is a feminine name that emerged as a variation of Dawn, the English word for the first light of day. It first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1919, but its usage has always been modest. Dawna reached its highest popularity in 1966, during the mid-1960s, when nature-inspired names were in vogue. Since 1985, its usage has been steadily falling, and it no longer ranks among common names. The name has not been strongly associated with any particular state, reflecting its sparse and widespread use. As a modern coinage, Dawna lacks deep historical roots but carries a simple, evocative meaning of new beginnings.
Dawna is a modern coinage, created by combining the English word 'dawn' with the feminine suffix -a. The name first appeared in the United States in 1919 but gained modest popularity in the 1960s, peaking in 1966. It is part of a trend of nature-inspired names that emerged in the early 20th century, drawing on the imagery of daybreak and new beginnings.
Where Dawna is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Dawn
Sibling names for Dawna
Names that share Dawna's style, for a brother or sister.
