A 1880s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Donia since 1881
Babies named Donia per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1970, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Donia's real moment was 1881.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 30 |
| 1890s | 33 |
| 1900s | 18 |
| 1910s | 67 |
| 1920s | 72 |
| 1930s | 54 |
| 1940s | 75 |
| 1950s | 61 |
| 1960s | 122 |
| 1970s | 181 |
| 1980s | 119 |
| 1990s | 142 |
| 2000s | 156 |
| 2010s | 61 |
| 2020s | 28 |
Meaning & origin
Donia is an extremely rare name in the United States, first recorded in 1881, its peak year according to Social Security data. After decades of minimal use, it has seen a slight uptick since 2022, part of a modest revival of 1880s-era names. In 2025, it ranked 14,942, with approximately 1 in 321,453 newborns receiving the name. No top states were recorded, reflecting its scattered usage. While its etymology is uncertain, it likely originated as a variant of Donna or a feminine form of Don, blending Italian and Scottish influences. Donia remains a distinctive choice for parents seeking an uncommon name with a vintage feel.
Donia may be a modern variant of Donna, which derives from Italian donna meaning 'lady,' or a feminine form of Don, a Scottish and English short form of Donald. Its use in the United States is rare, with earliest recorded instances in the 1880s and a recent revival.
“Donia” around the world
Where Donia lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
15
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Donnie
Sibling names for Donia
Names that share Donia's style, for a brother or sister.
