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- Fun
- Tags:
- Appreciation
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- International
- Date change rule:
- Every May 8
- Holiday emoji:
- 🤝
National Dakota Day arrives every May 8, a special occasion to celebrate everyone named Dakota across the globe. This unisex name, rooted in Native American languages, means ‘friend’ or ‘allies.’ Take a moment to appreciate the Dakotas in your life, share their stories, and make them feel truly valued today.
Want to sponsor National Dakota Day? Learn how
Expected National Dakota Day Deals
While specific 2027 promotions for National Dakota Day are rare, brands often embrace personalized gifting and name-focused campaigns. Look for deals from retailers like Etsy and Shutterfly on custom items. Major apparel brands such as Old Navy or Target might offer discounts on items that can be personalized. Consider local gift shops or independent artisans for unique, custom-made gifts. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as May 8 approaches.
Platform Guide for National Dakota Day
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalDakotaDay. Share photos of friends or family named Dakota, or personalized items.
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #NationalDakotaDay. Create short videos celebrating famous Dakotas or the meaning of the name.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #NationalDakotaDay. Post a shout-out to someone named Dakota in your community.
National Dakota Day Hero
Dakota Fanning
History of National Dakota Day
The name Dakota has been used since the 1900s and continues to be given to babies as names, especially in the United States. It has a larger prevalence in males than females as in the total population of people named Dakota — approximately 70% are male and the other 30% are female. Dakota is ranked 3,754th amongst the most popular given names in the United States and has an estimated population of 3,840. For every 100,000 Americans, there are 1.2 people named Dakota and it is used as a first name 98% of the time.
In the past 100 years, according to data from the Social Security Administration (S.S.A.), the estimated population of people named Dakota in the United States is 106,690 people. It gained the most popularity as a baby name in 1994 when its usage went up by 127.1% and has been used in the U.S. ever since. In that year, 5,533 babies were named Dakota, which was 0.1502% of the baby boys born in the U.S. that year. The most the name’s popularity ever grew to was 0.181% — in this year alone, more than 7,000 boys were named Dakota.
In the United States, the ethnicity of people bearing the name ‘Dakota’ is 78% White, 14.7% Black, 3.5% Hispanic, 1.4% Asian or Pacific Islander, 0.9% American Indian or Alaskan Native, and 1.5% of mixed races. The state where you are most likely to meet a ‘Dakota’ is Maine as there are about 8.42 people named Dakota in every 100,000 Maine natives. Texas is the state with the most Dakotas with about 316 people named after it.
National Dakota Day timeline
American Jazz Singer Dakota Staton is born.
The United States Marine and Medal of Honor recipient, Dakota Meyer, is born.
“50 Shades of Grey” star, Dakota Johnson, is born.
American Actress Dakota Fanning is born.
How Businesses Can Celebrate National Dakota Day
Local businesses can honor National Dakota Day by offering small, personalized gestures. Restaurants might provide a special discount to customers named Dakota, verified with ID. Gift shops could feature customizable items or offer a ‘Dakota’ themed display. Even service-based businesses can give a shout-out on social media, encouraging their community to celebrate friends and family who share this meaningful name.
National Dakota Day FAQs
When is National Dakota Day?
In 2027, National Dakota Day will be observed on Saturday, May 8. This annual observance is a chance to honor the ‘friendly’ and ‘allied’ spirit embodied by the name Dakota.
What does the name Dakota mean?
Derived from the name of the Dakota Native American tribes, the word Dakota signifies ‘friend’ or ‘allies.’ This powerful meaning underscores the positive associations and historical depth behind the popular unisex name.
How popular is the name Dakota?
As a name, Dakota holds a consistent presence in naming trends, appealing to parents seeking a strong, unique, and historically rich option. Its association with the US states of North and South Dakota also contributes to its enduring recognition.
Is Dakota a male or female name?
While some names lean distinctly male or female, Dakota proudly serves as a unisex option. Its widespread adoption across genders highlights its broad appeal and the universal positive connotations of ‘friend’ and ‘ally.’
National Dakota Day Activities
Become friends with a Dakota
Celebrate the day by becoming friends with a Dakota. As it is easy connecting with people on social media, it is always a good place to start!
Wish Dakota well
Wish everyone bearing the name Dakota well. As the day is about them, it’s only befitting to do this.
Spread awareness
Spread awareness of National Dakota Day. The more people that know about the day, the better celebrated it will be.
5 Interesting Facts About Dakota Johnson
She's a natural blonde
She is mostly known as a brunette but she’s actually a natural blonde.
She started off modeling
She started off as a model and she signed a modeling deal in 2006 to boost her career.
She owns a production company
She’s not just an actress or model, she also co-owns her production company, Teatime Pictures, with former Netflix development executive Ro Donnelly.
She went to rehab
Dakota went to Rehab at 17 for addiction and has been sober since then.
She’s a winner of Miss Golden Globe
In 2006, she won Miss Golden Globe, an award also won by her mother when she was younger.
Why We Love National Dakota Day
It makes all Dakotas feel special
Celebrating National Dakota Day makes them feel special. You don’t have to be a celebrity to be celebrated.
It drives adoption of the name
More people would give the name to their children after seeing the name being celebrated. It increases the number of people named Dakota in the world.
It brings people named Dakota together
Seeing as their name is being celebrated, Dakotas out there are more likely to meet each other. What better way to celebrate your name day than by meeting other Dakotas?
Social Media Tips for National Dakota Day
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