Dog Names > Dakota

Dakota

Unisex

Meaning

The Allies

Origin

Sioux

Pronunciation

/dəˈkoʊtə/

EDITOR'S NOTE

Emily P.

PupNames.com Contributor

Dakota, a dog name with a punch! It's got that Wild West vibe, like your pooch is a four-legged cowboy, ready to herd some cattle or chase a frisbee. It's a nod to the Dakota tribes, known for their strength and resilience - just like your pup when they spot a squirrel. Plus, it's the name of two U.S. states, so it's perfect for a dog that loves road trips or has a big personality. And let's not forget Dakota Johnson, for those who fancy their dog as a Hollywood star. So, saddle up and name your dog Dakota!

Traits associated with the name Dakota:

Dogs named Dakota tend to be loving, affectionate, good-natured, and strong-willed. This name is also associated with companionship, and beauty.

What does it say about you to have a dog named Dakota?

Naming your dog Dakota suggests that you have an affinity for the outdoors and nature. It could also suggest that you have a strong connection to the American West, as Dakota is a name commonly associated with the region.

Is Dakota a good dog name?

Dakota has more syllables than most dog names, but you can easily give your pup a nickname to shorten things. The name also ends in a vowel sound, so it's easy for dogs to recognize. Dakota is a widely loved dog name for good reason. If you like it, go for it!

Popularity: Overall

147

New York City Dog Name Database

Los Angeles Times 'Top Dogs'

Dakota is one of the more popular dog names out there. According to our data, Dakota outranks the great majority of names.

Popularity: Historical Trend

Dakota was, in the past month, the 99th most viewed dog name on PupNames.com.

As of May 2025, Dakota is becoming a more popular moniker with new puppy owners. Our stats show that the name is more fashionable than it was at this time last year.

In general, this name has held steady in popularity with PupNames.com visitors.

In the past week, Dakota was viewed 108 times, and liked 2 times.

Popularity: United States

The map below shows Dakota's popularity across the United States, according to PupNames data.

Dakota is most adored in Maine, Washington and New Jersey.

By contrast, the name has been shown the least amount of interest in Delaware, Wyoming and Kansas.

Popularity: Around The World

And this world map shows which countries have the greatest love for the name Dakota.

Dakota is found in these categories:

cute

Evokes charming imagery of wild, playful North American prairies.

friendly

The name means "ally" in Native American Sioux language.

nature

Derived from a Native American tribe, it signifies wilderness and open plains.

farm

Named after a rural American state known for its vast farmlands.

hunting

The name's association with ruggedness, outdoors, and the American Midwest, where hunting is popular.

flower

This name is derived from a type of rose known as Rosa 'Dakota'.

Dog names like Dakota:

Duke

Leader, commander, governor of a province

Denali

Great One

Dash

A short fast race; to move quickly.

Denver

From The Passage Of The Danes

Rocky

Inspired by Rocky Balboa.

Shadow

Shade From Sun

Comments (3)

🇦🇷

Abel G (Buenos Aires F.D., Argentina)

Friendly, affectionate. German Shepherd. Dakota.😍
September 05, 2024 ◆ Translated

🇪🇸

Dakota (Andalusia, Spain)

I have a Malinois dog and I named her Dakota because it suits her breed.
March 27, 2024 ◆ Translated

🇺🇸

Adrianna (Pennsylvania, United States)

I think of Dakota is a great name for a dog who is friendly and always on the go.
January 27, 2024

Let us know what you think of Dakota as a dog name!