Dakota Name Meaning & Origin
Dakota
Origin of the name Dakota:
Derived from the Siouan word dakóta (allies, to be thought of as friends). The name is borrowed from the name given to the tribes of northern Plains Indians, also known as Sioux and Lakota.
From A World of Baby Names by Teresa Norman.
Related Names:
Koty
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US Popularity of Dakota Over Time

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- Comments and insights on the name Dakota
The two states North Dakota and South Dakota
the Dakota in NYC where John Lennon was murdered- Personal experiences with the name Dakota
I'm a girl and my name is Dakota. The name is unisex, in my opinion, but still very beautiful. I love my name and think it's very unique and kind of uncommon which I don't mind, because it makes me one of a kind. My middle name is Danielle which makes Dakota sound more girly and I love the pairing. Of course I get the "north or south?" joke a lot, but it's light humor. Great name!
My daughter's name is Dakota, and she is the sweetest little thing, could not imagine her with another name.
- Nicknames for Dakota
Kota
Koko
Dada- Meanings and history of the name Dakota
- Famous real-life people named Dakota
Dakota Fanning, American actress
Dakota Johnson, American model and actress
Dakota Staton, American jazz singer
Dakota Tao Brooks-Woodside (b. 2009), daughter of American actress Golden Brooks and American actor D.B. Woodside- Dakota in song, story & screen
Dakota by A Rocket to the Moon