National Dakota Day is a celebration that honors both the name Dakota and its rich Native American heritage. The name Dakota, meaning “friend” or “ally” in the Dakota language, has become a popular unisex name while maintaining its deep cultural roots.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: May 8
- Tagged as: Cultural, Name Day
- What’s the hashtag?: #NationalDakotaDay
- When was it founded?: Early 1900s
- Who founded it?: Not officially documented
History
The name Dakota originates from the Native American Dakota people, one of the three main divisions of the Sioux tribes. The name gained popularity as a given name in the United States during the 1900s, with approximately 70% of people named Dakota being male and 30% female.
Timeline
- 1931: Birth of Dakota Staton, renowned American Jazz Singer
- 1988: Birth of Dakota Meyer, U.S. Marine and Medal of Honor recipient
- 1989: Birth of Dakota Johnson, acclaimed actress
- 1994: Birth of Dakota Fanning, prominent American actress
Dates by Next Year
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | May 8 | Thursday |
| 2026 | May 8 | Friday |
| 2027 | May 8 | Saturday |
| 2028 | May 8 | Monday |
| 2029 | May 8 | Tuesday |
Observed
The day is celebrated by recognizing individuals named Dakota and acknowledging the cultural significance of the Dakota people. Communities often organize events that highlight Native American heritage and modern interpretations of the name.
Fun Facts About Dakota
- The name ranks 3,754th in popularity in the United States
- Maine has the highest concentration of people named Dakota per capita
- Texas has the largest total population of people named Dakota
- The name is used as a first name 98% of the time
Quiz
- What does the name Dakota mean?
- Which state has the most people named Dakota?
- What percentage of Dakotas are male?
(Answers: 1. Friend/Ally, 2. Texas, 3. 70%)
FAQs
Q: Is Dakota a unisex name?
A: Yes, it’s used for both males and females.
Q: Where is the name most common?
A: Maine has the highest concentration per capita.
Importance of National Dakota Day
This celebration helps preserve Native American cultural heritage while recognizing the modern adoption of Dakota as a given name. It brings together communities and promotes cultural understanding.
Related
- Native American Heritage Month
- Indigenous Peoples’ Day
- National Name Day
- Cultural Appreciation Day