Find out how popular the first name Diana has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Diana by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Diana is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 99% of people named Diana being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 1,307 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Diana.

The history of the first name Diana

The name Diana is derived from the ancient Roman goddess of the hunt, the moon, and nature, known as Diana. The name's origins can be traced back to the Latin word "dius," meaning "heavenly" or "divine." This name has been popular across various cultures and time periods.

The earliest recorded use of the name Diana can be found in ancient Roman literature and mythology. In Ovid's Metamorphoses, Diana is depicted as a virgin goddess who values her independence and roams the forests with a band of nymphs. The cult of Diana was widely celebrated in ancient Rome, and her temple stood on the Aventine Hill.

One of the most famous historical figures named Diana was Diana, Princess of Wales (1961-1997). Her compassion, humanitarian efforts, and tragic death made her an iconic figure in modern history. She used her public platform to raise awareness about various causes, such as HIV/AIDS, leprosy, and landmines.

Another notable Diana was Diana, the Roman Empress (c. 161-217 CE), who was the wife of the Roman Emperor Septimius Severus. She played a significant role in the imperial court and was revered for her beauty and intelligence.

In Renaissance literature, Diana was a popular name and character. William Shakespeare featured Diana in his play "All's Well That Ends Well," portraying her as a virtuous and chaste character.

During the Renaissance period, Diana of Poitiers (1499-1566), a French noblewoman and mistress of King Henry II of France, was renowned for her beauty, intelligence, and influence at the French court.

In the 20th century, Diana Rigg (born 1938) gained fame as a British actress known for her roles in shows like "The Avengers" and "Game of Thrones." She received numerous accolades for her performances throughout her career.

These are just a few examples of the many notable individuals who have borne the name Diana throughout history, reflecting its enduring popularity and association with strength, beauty, and independent spirit.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Diana was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Diana, please contact us.

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