✦ NAME PROFILE ✦

Dakota

/ da-KO-tah /

unisex

Meaning

Friendly; ally

Origin

Native American

Dakota is a Siouan word meaning 'allies' or 'friends.' It is the name of a Native American people of the northern Mississippi Valley, and consequently the name of two US states. It entered the given name charts in the late 20th century as part of the trend for geographic and Native American-inspired names. It is widely considered one of the most successful place-names for children.

Personality Distribution

MBTI Profile

Approximate distribution among people named Dakota.

NT AnalystsNF DiplomatsSJ SentinelsSP Explorers

ISFP

15.8%

ESFP

14.1%

ENFP

12.8%

ISTP

11.2%

ESTP

9.1%

INFP

8.5%

ENFJ

7.6%

ISFJ

6.8%

ESFJ

5.4%

ENTP

3.7%

ISTJ

2.1%

ESTJ

1.4%

INFJ

0.9%

INTP

0.4%

ENTJ

0.1%

INTJ

0.1%

Cultural Context

Cultural Notes

Dakota is seen as 'expansive' and 'spirited.' It evokes the imagery of the American West—wide-open spaces and a sense of freedom. The high-profile career of Dakota Fanning helped solidify it as a fashionable choice for girls, while it remains a rugged and steady choice for boys.

Notable People

Famous Bearers

Dakota Fanning

Acclaimed American actress (b. 1994)

Dakota Johnson

American actress known for the Fifty Shades film series (b. 1989)

Dakota Kai

Professional wrestler from New Zealand (b. 1988)

Sibling Names

Goes well with

Boys

Cheyenne Wyatt Hunter Logan Sierra

Girls

Savannah Sierra Cheyenne Montana Skylar