Declining since 1985, #1,962 for girls today.
Popularity of Donna since 1880
Babies named Donna per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 265 |
| 1890s | 440 |
| 1900s | 790 |
| 1910s | 4,293 |
| 1920s | 26,160 |
| 1930s | 78,846 |
| 1940s | 165,523 |
| 1950s | 270,338 |
| 1960s | 213,468 |
| 1970s | 47,342 |
| 1980s | 13,044 |
| 1990s | 5,662 |
| 2000s | 3,186 |
| 2010s | 1,641 |
| 2020s | 643 |
Meaning & origin
Donna is a name that encapsulates mid-century American charm. Derived from the Italian word for 'lady,' it entered the U.S. naming lexicon in the early 20th century and rapidly ascended to become a hallmark of the Baby Boom era. According to Social Security data, it first appeared in 1880 and reached its peak popularity in 1959, when it was a top choice for girls. At its height, it was among the most common names nationwide, but it has since experienced a steady decline. By 2025, it ranked 1,962nd, given to about 1 in 16,401 babies. The name achieved particular prominence in states like Utah, Michigan, and Georgia. Its trajectory has been falling since 1985, reflecting its status as a classic that has given way to newer trends. Despite its diminished usage, Donna remains an instantly recognizable name with a simple elegance.
Donna is directly taken from the Italian word for 'lady' or 'woman,' which derives from Latin domina, meaning 'mistress of the house.' It came into use as a given name in English-speaking countries in the early 20th century, possibly influenced by the title of respect Madonna. The name saw a surge in popularity in the United States during the mid-20th century.
Where Donna 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.
“Donna” around the world
Where Donna lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Don, Donnie, Dee, Dona
Sibling names for Donna
Names that share Donna's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Deborah, Sharon, Susan, Michele, Yolanda, Cathy, Cindy, Deanna, Debbie, Dianne, Joann, Linda, Lynda, Lynne, Marsha, Paula, Ronda, Tracey, Cherlyn, Deana, Deann, Dionna, Dona, Donetta, Donia, Donnetta, Gayla, Gerri, Karyl, Ladonna, Lesa, Lorie, Lorri, Lorrie, Luann, Ronna, Sharron, Shelia, Sondra, Suzan, Tonia, Carolee, Cathey, Cinda, Contessa, Debbra, Debera, Debrah, Dedra, Deeann, Deeanna, Detra, Leeanne, Lonna, Lorry, Louann, Sharen, Sharri, Shawnda, Sherree, Shirl, Sueann, Tonda, Vonnie, Wonda, Barri, Bettyjo, Bobie, Branda, Carrieann, Cherl, Chery, Cindia, Cindie, Daun, Dawnelle, Deadra, Deitra, Dewana, Djuana, Donalee, Donica, Donice, Donnamarie, Donnia, Donnita, Drenda, Dyane, Gaylynn, Glennda, Joani, Joyann, Leasa, Lorra, Pamla, Renda, Rondi, Roshell, Sharion, Sharman, Sherlin, Sherra, Sueellen, Tonnie, Barbarann, Calleen, Cherly, Cherron, Cheryln, Cherylynn, Chonda, Danne, Dauna, Daune, Debara, Debbe, Debraann, Deby, Donni, Evonda, Judyann, Lonni, Lynee, Lynnann, Lynnmarie, Radonna, Redonna, Ronalda, Ronalee, Sharren, Terrianne, Bronda, Deetra, Anndee, Carloyn, Darsi, Dawnna, Dawnya, Debar, Debbrah, Donalyn, Donda, Donnice, Gerrianne, Jerriann, Karenann, Kathyann, Kennetha, Laurajean, Lorann, Lynnel, Marisue, Pammie, Rhonna, Ronnita, Royann, Sharalee, Sharilynn, Sheritha, Sherryann, Soundra, Suellyn, Tawyna, Terrilee, Terryann, Tonnia, Yonna, Zonnie
Brothers: Donald, Ronald, Gary, Dennis, Larry, Darrin, Lonnie, Rickey, Ronnie, Terry, Darel, Darell, Darrel, Donny, Karon, Lonny, Ron, Rondal, Ronny, Daryle, Donnis, Gaylen, Ronney, Dannon, Denard, Donathan, Doni, Durwin, Garrie, Gery, Lonn, Rondall, Rondy, Ronie, Ronn, Darrall, Darrly, Deano, Dornell, Duayne, Dyon, Ronnel, Rontrell, Dannis, Donney, Duanne
Names like Donna
Names whose popularity has moved with Donna's over the last 50 years.
