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

Popularity of Diane by gender

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

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 59 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Diane.

The history of the first name Diane

The name Diane has its origins in the Latin language and is derived from the name of the Roman goddess Diana, who was the goddess of the hunt, the moon, and nature. The earliest known use of the name dates back to ancient Rome, where it was a popular name among the Roman aristocracy.

In Roman mythology, Diana was a virginal goddess who was associated with chastity, fertility, and childbirth. She was often depicted as a huntress carrying a bow and arrow, accompanied by a deer or other woodland creatures. The name Diana was also associated with the Greek goddess Artemis, who shared many of the same attributes.

The name Diane gained popularity in France during the Middle Ages, where it was spelled as "Diane" or "Dianne." One of the earliest recorded examples of the name in France was Diane de Poitiers (1499-1566), who was a prominent figure at the court of King Henry II and was known for her beauty and intelligence.

Another notable figure with the name Diane was Diane de France (1538-1619), who was the daughter of King Henry II and Catherine de' Medici. She was a wealthy heiress and a patron of the arts, and she played a significant role in the cultural life of Renaissance France.

In the realm of literature, the name Diane appears in several works, including the play "The Tragical History of Dr. Faustus" by Christopher Marlowe (1564-1593), where one of the characters is named Diane.

Other notable women named Diane throughout history include Diane Arbus (1923-1971), an American photographer known for her provocative and unconventional portraits; Diane Sawyer (born 1945), an American journalist and television personality; Diane von Furstenberg (born 1946), a Belgian-American fashion designer; Diane Keaton (born 1946), an American actress and filmmaker; and Diane Kruger (born 1976), a German actress and former model.

While the name Diane has its roots in ancient Roman mythology, it has endured throughout the centuries and has been embraced in various cultures around the world, making it a timeless and enduring name with a rich historical legacy.

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 Diane was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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