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

Popularity of Dinah by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Dinah is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 40 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Dinah.

The history of the first name Dinah

The name Dinah has its roots in Hebrew, derived from the biblical name Dinah, the daughter of Jacob and Leah in the Book of Genesis. The name is believed to originate from the Hebrew word "din," meaning "judgment" or "vindication." Its earliest recorded use can be traced back to the Old Testament, where Dinah's story is recounted.

One of the most notable historical references to the name Dinah comes from the Bible itself. In Genesis 34, the narrative tells of Dinah being defiled by Shechem, the son of a Hivite prince, leading to a violent conflict between Jacob's sons and the Hivites. This biblical account has shaped the cultural significance and symbolism associated with the name Dinah throughout history.

Among the earliest recorded individuals bearing the name Dinah was Dinah Morris (1888-1936), an English novelist and writer best known for her work "The Sundial." Her literary contributions helped popularize the name in the early 20th century.

In the realm of music, Dinah Washington (1924-1963) was an influential American singer and pianist who rose to fame in the 1940s and 1950s. Known as the "Queen of the Blues," she was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame and left an indelible mark on the jazz and blues genres.

Another notable figure was Dinah Craik (1826-1887), a British novelist and poet widely recognized for her works such as "John Halifax, Gentleman" and "A Life for a Life." Her literary achievements brought further recognition to the name Dinah during the Victorian era.

In the field of sports, Dinah Shore (1915-1994) was an American singer, actress, and television personality who also found success as a professional golfer. She hosted the popular Dinah Shore Chevy Show and lent her name to the Dinah Shore Trophy, awarded annually at the LPGA's Dinah Shore Tournament Course Championship.

Dinah Mulock Craik (1826-1887), a British novelist and poet, was another influential figure who bore the name. Her works, including "John Halifax, Gentleman" and "A Life for a Life," garnered widespread acclaim and popularity during the Victorian era.

Throughout history, the name Dinah has carried a rich cultural and biblical significance, spanning various disciplines and eras. From its Hebrew origins to its literary, musical, and sporting associations, the name has left an indelible mark on diverse aspects of human endeavor.

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

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

Reference this page

We spend a lot of resources downloading, cleaning, merging, and formatting the data that is shown on the site.

If you found the data or information on this page useful in your research, please use the tool below to properly cite or reference Name Census as the source. We appreciate your support!