Danna
DA-nuh
Danna functions as a feminine form of Daniel or Dan, rooted in the Hebrew Daniyyel, meaning “God is my judge.” The name also appears independently in several cultures: in Irish mythology, Dana (or Danu) was the mother goddess of the Tuatha Dé Danann,
the mythological race of pre-Christian Ireland.
In Latin America, Danna has gained particular traction as a standalone name rather than a diminutive.
What the name Danna means
Mexican singer Danna Paola (born 2003) has been a significant influence on the name’s popularity in both Mexico and among Hispanic communities in the United States.
The name peaked in the U.S. at No. 267 in 2010 and currently ranks No. 306 in 2024 with 1,002 births.
After a period of relative obscurity in the mid-2010s (falling to around No. 526), Danna has rebounded sharply, nearly doubling its birth count since 2018.
The double-n spelling distinguishes Danna from Dana, which has a longer history in English as a unisex name.
Dana ranked in the top 100 for girls during the 1960s and 1970s, while Danna represents a more recent, predominantly feminine and Hispanic-influenced choice.
Phonetically, Danna shares its 2-syllable, a-ending structure with popular names like Anna, Hanna, and Jenna. This pattern is among the most enduringly popular in American girls’ naming.
The name’s recent resurgence correlates closely with Danna Paola’s crossover success in the Netflix series Elite (2018) and her music career, illustrating how Latin American pop culture increasingly shapes U.S. naming trends.
US popularity over time
Numerology and symbolism
Based on Pythagorean numerology — a traditional system linking name letters to numbers. Presented for cultural interest.
Famous people named Danna
Danna - similar names
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