Last Name Dana

Learn more about the origin of the last name Dana

The meaning and origin of the last name Dana

The surname Dana is of ancient origin, dating back to various cultures and languages throughout history. In Irish, Dana means "knowledge" or "wisdom," and it was often given to girls born during the Celtic festival of Bealtaine, which celebrated the arrival of summer. In Hebrew, Dana translates to "judge" or "goddess," and it is one of the 24 priestly cities mentioned in the Old Testament. The name also appears in Arabic as Danah, meaning "fruitful," and among the Phoenicians, it signified "to know." The popularity of the surname Dana spread to other regions due to migration and cultural assimilation. Over time, the specific origins of a particular family with this surname may have been lost or misconstrued as the name became common across various cultures.

Geographical distribution of the last name Dana

The surname Dana is widely distributed across various regions globally, reflecting its ancient origins. In Europe, it is predominantly found in France, where it is derived from the Breton word "dañs," meaning "from the valley." A significant number of individuals with this last name can be found in Brittany and Normandy, though it also appears in other parts of France. Outside of France, Dana is present in smaller numbers in England, Ireland, Germany, and Scandinavia. In North America, it is most common among descendants of French-speaking immigrants to Quebec, Canada. In the United States, it is found primarily in Louisiana due to its historical connection with French settlers. Additionally, Dana can be found in smaller numbers in other parts of the U.S., including California and the Midwest, often among families of Irish or Scandinavian descent.

Variants and spellings of the last name Dana

The surname Dana can be found with various spelling variations across different regions and cultures. Some common variants include D'Ana, Daena, Dahna, Danae, Danah, Danay, and Dannah. These variations may result from phonetic changes over time, cultural adaptations, or regional dialects. In addition, the name can also be found with prefixes such as MacDana, O'Dana, or McDana, which are typically Irish in origin and denote a family of Scottish or Irish descent. Furthermore, the name Dana may have different meanings depending on the region; for instance, in Hebrew, it means "judge" or "godly," while in Greek, it means "from the valley." These variations and meanings highlight the rich cultural history associated with the surname Dana.

Famous people with the last name Dana

Notable individuals with the surname Dana include:

1. Dana Delany (born 1956), an American actress and producer, known for her roles in China Beach and Desperate Housewives.
2. Dana Ivey (born 1940), an American actress who has had a prolific career on stage, television, and film.
3. Dana Andrews (1909-1992), an American film actor who was a leading man during the Classic Hollywood era. His notable films include Laura and The Ox-Bow Incident.
4. Dana Plato (1964-1999), an American actress, best known for her role as Kimberly Drummond in Diff'rent Strokes.
5. Dana Reeve (1961-2006), an American actress and singer, as well as an advocate for people living with ALS. She was the wife of Christopher Reeve.

These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields in entertainment, activism, and advocacy.

Genealogical research on the last name Dana

The surname Dana is of Celtic origin, derived from the Welsh and Irish names "Dan" and "Donn," respectively, which mean brown or dark-haired. The earliest recorded use of the name dates back to Wales during the Middle Ages, with notable figures like Dafydd ap Dafydd Ddu Duw ("Dafydd son of Dafydd Dark God") in the 13th century. The surname later spread across England and Ireland, often taking on different variations due to anglicization and Gaelic influence. In England, it was commonly spelled as Danes and Danby, while in Ireland, the variant Donohue is widespread. Notable bearers of the name Dana include American singer Dana Fuchs, Irish politician Michael D. Higgins (who uses a variant of the name), and American novelist Richard Henry Dana Jr., author of "Two Years Before the Mast." The name's widespread distribution suggests a rich history and diverse heritage for those bearing the surname Dana.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Dana"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 10 June 2025