What does Dinah mean and where does it come from?
Dinah is of Hebrew origin, spelled as דִּינָה. It is a significant name in biblical history, as Dinah was the daughter of Jacob and Leah in the Book of Genesis. The name suggests themes of judgment and justice. In modern contexts, Dinah became popular in the English-speaking world during the 19th ce
Cultural significance
Dinah has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of judged, vindicated..
Peak popularity
Reached #488 in 1955 — currently #3782 in the US.
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Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Dinah?
Dinah works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Dinah Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Dinah Rose
Floral · soft ending
Dinah Mae
Sweet · timeless
Dinah Claire
French influence · crisp
Dinah Jane
Literary · strong
Dinah Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Dinah right now?
Rising fast — up 58 spots — currently #3782 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #3782 | 40 | ▲ up 58 · +3% births |
| 2022 | #3840 | 39 | ▼ down 618 · -22% births |
| 2021 | #3222 | 50 | ▼ down 76 · +2% births |
| 2020 | #3146 | 49 | ▼ down 261 · -18% births |
| 2015 | #2885 | 60 | ▲ up 525 · +28% births |
| 2010 | #3410 | 47 | ▲ up 318 · +21% births |
| 2005 | #3728 | 39 | ▼ down 1354 · -40% births |
| 2000 | #2374 | 65 | ▲ up 250 · +38% births |
| 1995 | #2624 | 47 | ▼ down 222 · -8% births |
| 1990 | #2402 | 51 | ▼ down 612 · -19% births |
| 1985 | #1790 | 63 | ▲ up 98 · +11% births |
| 1980 | #1888 | 57 | ▼ down 712 · -42% births |
| 1975 | #1176 | 98 | ▼ down 43 · -5% births |
| 1970 | #1133 | 103 | ▼ down 296 · -27% births |
| 1965 | #837 | 142 | — |
The story of Dinah
Dinah has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. A total of 10,304 babies have received this name. Once ranked #769 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #3782 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Dinah in 1955:
Dinah by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 83 | |
| 1890s | 87 | |
| 1900s | 113 | |
| 1910s | 227 | |
| 1920s | 245 | |
| 1930s | 289 | |
| 1940s | 1,592 | |
| 1950s ★ | 2,901 | |
| 1960s | 1,626 | |
| 1970s | 836 | |
| 1980s | 628 | |
| 1990s | 509 | |
| 2000s | 618 | |
| 2010s | 501 | |
| 2020s | 49 | |
What are good nicknames for Dinah?
What names sound and feel like Dinah?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Dinah also consider these
How is Dinah written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Dinah
What does the name Dinah mean?
Dinah means "Judged, vindicated." — a name rooted in English 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 Dinah?
Dinah is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Dinah?
Dinah originates from English tradition. English 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 Dinah?
Dinah is a two-syllable name pronounced D AY1 N AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Dinah a common or rare name?
Dinah is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.