What does Diana mean and where does it come from?
Diana is derived from the Latin name 'Diana', which comes from the ancient Roman goddess of the hunt, the moon, and nature. The name has been used since Roman times and gained popularity during the Renaissance. One of the most notable people with this name is Diana, Princess of Wales. The name symbo
Cultural significance
Diana has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Italy-speaking communities, where it reflects values of divine.
Peak popularity
Reached #42 in 1946 — currently #228 in the US.
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Related Reading
Italy-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Diana?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Diana?
Diana works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Diana Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Diana Rose
Floral · soft ending
Diana Mae
Sweet · timeless
Diana Claire
French influence · crisp
Diana Jane
Literary · strong
Diana Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Diana right now?
Holding steady — currently #228 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #228 | 1,312 | ▲ up 1 |
| 2022 | #229 | 1,316 | ▼ down 4 · -1% births |
| 2021 | #225 | 1,329 | ▲ up 19 · +9% births |
| 2020 | #244 | 1,222 | ▲ up 52 · +12% births |
| 2015 | #296 | 1,088 | ▼ down 106 · -33% births |
| 2010 | #190 | 1,621 | ▼ down 90 · -49% births |
| 2005 | #100 | 3,156 | ▲ up 6 |
| 2000 | #106 | 3,165 | ▼ down 1 |
| 1995 | #105 | 3,164 | ▼ down 7 · -11% births |
| 1990 | #98 | 3,545 | ▼ down 24 · -4% births |
| 1985 | #74 | 3,686 | ▲ up 44 · +41% births |
| 1980 | #118 | 2,616 | ▼ down 18 · -10% births |
| 1975 | #100 | 2,914 | ▼ down 11 · -33% births |
| 1970 | #89 | 4,375 | ▼ down 25 · -26% births |
| 1965 | #64 | 5,930 | — |
The story of Diana
Diana has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. Its peak popularity was #42 in 1946. More than 363,145 babies have been named Diana since 1880. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #555 in 1880 to #228 in 2023. Diana is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Diana in 1946:
Diana by decade
Diana peaked in the 1940s. See all 1940s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 118 | |
| 1890s | 225 | |
| 1900s | 353 | |
| 1910s | 1,337 | |
| 1920s | 3,227 | |
| 1930s | 9,514 | |
| 1940s | 53,847 | |
| 1950s ★ | 80,391 | |
| 1960s | 65,224 | |
| 1970s | 33,505 | |
| 1980s | 37,211 | |
| 1990s | 33,984 | |
| 2000s | 29,601 | |
| 2010s | 13,386 | |
| 2020s | 1,222 | |
What are good nicknames for Diana?
ENGLISH
DeanaDeannaDeanneDeeannDeenaDena
What names sound and feel like Diana?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Diana also consider these
How is Diana written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Diana
What does the name Diana mean?
Diana means "divine" — a name rooted in Italy tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Diana?
Diana is currently ranked #228 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Diana?
Diana originates from Italy tradition. Italy names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Diana?
Diana is a three-syllable name pronounced D AY0 AE1 N AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Diana?
Diana pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Italy heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.