Declining since 1997, #1,976 for boys today.
Popularity of Donte since 1961
Babies named Donte per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 124 |
| 1970s | 1,463 |
| 1980s | 3,611 |
| 1990s | 4,994 |
| 2000s | 3,330 |
| 2010s | 1,637 |
| 2020s | 536 |
Meaning & origin
Donte is a modern American name that first appeared on the U.S. naming charts in 1961, reflecting the trend of inventive and personalized names that emerged in the mid-20th century. Its popularity peaked in 1997, when it reached its highest rank. Since then, its usage has been gradually declining, which aligns with a broader shift away from similar-sounding names. In 2025, about 1 in 22,183 baby boys was named Donte. The name has seen its strongest usage in North Carolina, California, and Texas, states with diverse populations where creative naming practices are common. While its exact origins remain uncertain, Donte continues to be a distinctive choice that carries a modern, rhythmic feel.
Donte first appeared in the United States in the 1960s. It is likely a modern invented name, combining elements of names like Don and Dante, or a variant of the Italian name Dante. It has been used predominantly in African American communities.
Where Donte is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys 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: Don, Dante
Sibling names for Donte
Names that share Donte's style, for a brother or sister.
Names like Donte
Names whose popularity has moved with Donte's over the last 50 years.
