Dakota - name meaning, origin

The girl's name Dakota \d(a)-ko-

, also used as boy's name Dakota, is pronounced da-KOH-tah. It is of Native American Indian origin, and its meaning is "friend, ally". Tribal name and American place name: the word may also possibly mean "forever smiling".

Dakota has 2 variant forms: Dakoda and Dakotah.

Dakota is a somewhat common first name for women (#4077 out of 4276) but an uncommon last name for both men and women. (1990 U.S. Census)

Displayed below is the baby name popularity trend for the girl name Dakota. Compare Dakota with its variant forms and related girl names.