The name Dawna is derived from the Old English word "dæg" meaning "day" or "dawn." It is a feminine form of the name Dawn, which traces its roots back to the Proto-Germanic word "dagaz." The name first emerged during the Anglo-Saxon period in Britain, around the 5th to 11th centuries AD.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Dawna can be found in the Domesday Book, a great survey of England commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. The name appears as "Daune," likely a variant spelling of the more modern form.

In the 12th century, the name Dawna was mentioned in the medieval romance "Floris and Blancheflour," where it was the name of a character. This literary reference suggests that the name was in use during the Middle Ages.

A notable historical figure bearing the name Dawna was Dawna Petersen (1562-1628), a Danish noblewoman and courtier who served as a lady-in-waiting to Queen Anne of Denmark.

In the 17th century, Dawna Hathaway (1629-1687) was a prominent Puritan woman in colonial Massachusetts. She was one of the first settlers of the town of Taunton and played a significant role in the early history of the colony.

The 19th century saw the birth of Dawna Shepherd (1819-1891), a British philanthropist and social reformer. She was instrumental in establishing several charitable organizations and advocating for the rights of women and children.

Another notable figure was Dawna Lockwood (1868-1954), an American author and playwright. Her most famous work was the novel "The Understudy," which explored themes of ambition and the theater world in the early 20th century.

In the field of sports, Dawna Thornton (1920-1998) was a Canadian Olympic swimmer. She competed in the 1936 Berlin Olympics and won a bronze medal in the 4x100-meter freestyle relay.

While the name Dawna has been in use for centuries, it has seen a decline in popularity in recent times, likely due to the more widespread use of its shorter form, Dawn.