The given name Dacia has its origins in ancient Dacia, a region located in modern-day Romania and Moldova. The name is derived from the Dacian language, which was spoken by the Dacian people, an Indo-European ethnic group that inhabited the area during antiquity.

Dacia was a powerful kingdom that existed from the 1st century BC to the 2nd century AD. The Dacians were known for their fierce resistance against the Roman Empire, and their legendary king, Decebalus, led many battles against the Roman legions. The name Dacia was first mentioned in ancient Greek and Roman texts, such as the works of Strabo and Ptolemy.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Dacia can be found in the Roman historian Tacitus' work "Annals," where he mentions a Dacian princess named Dacia who was captured by the Romans during the Dacian Wars. Another notable historical figure with the name Dacia was a Christian martyr who lived in the 3rd century AD and was executed for her faith during the persecution of Christians by the Roman emperor Diocletian.

During the Middle Ages, the name Dacia fell out of widespread use but was still occasionally given to female children in certain regions of Eastern Europe. In the 16th century, a noblewoman named Dacia Trajan was a prominent figure in the court of Prince Stephen the Great of Moldavia.

In the 19th century, the name Dacia experienced a revival, particularly in Romania, where it was seen as a symbol of national pride and cultural identity. One of the most famous bearers of the name was Dacia Trajan Sturdza (1896-1979), a Romanian aristocrat and philanthropist who dedicated her life to preserving Romania's cultural heritage.

Other notable individuals with the name Dacia include Dacia Maraini (born 1936), an Italian writer and feminist activist, and Dacia Patrick (born 1972), an American model and actress. While the name Dacia is not as common today as it once was, it remains a part of the cultural heritage of Romania and Moldova, reflecting the rich history and traditions of the region.