The name Dayna is of English origin, derived from the Old English word "dæg," meaning "day." It was initially used as a feminine form of the male name "Dan" or "Daniel," which also has its roots in Hebrew, meaning "God is my judge."

The earliest recorded use of the name Dayna dates back to the 16th century in England, where it was occasionally used as a variant spelling of the more common names Diana or Dinah. However, it wasn't until the 20th century that Dayna gained popularity as a standalone name.

One of the earliest notable figures with the name Dayna was Dayna Curry, an American humanitarian aid worker who was born in 1964 and tragically killed in Afghanistan in 2002. She dedicated her life to providing aid and assistance to war-torn regions.

Another historical figure bearing the name Dayna was Dayna Weller, an American actress born in 1953. She appeared in several television shows and films throughout the 1970s and 1980s, including the popular sitcom "WKRP in Cincinnati."

In the world of sports, Dayna Kurtz, an American former professional tennis player born in 1968, achieved success on the WTA Tour, reaching a career-high ranking of No. 10 in singles and winning four Grand Slam doubles titles.

Dayna Hartwick, a Canadian artist and painter born in 1970, has gained recognition for her vibrant and expressive works, which often explore themes of nature and the human experience.

In literature, Dayna Ingram is the name of a fictional character in the popular science fiction series "Andromeda," created by Gene Roddenberry. The character, played by Laura Bertram, was a skilled weapons officer and a member of the crew aboard the starship Andromeda Ascendant.

While the name Dayna has its roots in English and Old English, it has also been embraced by various cultures and communities around the world, each adding their unique interpretations and meanings to the name.