Search names

Dekota

OriginNative American tribe and place name; Sioux
Meaning"friendly one"

About Dekota

Dekota is an alternative spelling of Dakota, a name derived from the Native American Sioux tribe and their language, where it means "friend" or "ally." This variation with an 'e' instead of an 'a' gives the traditional name a distinctive modern twist while maintaining its pronunciation. Originally a place name referring to the Dakota territories and later states, it began gaining popularity as a personal name in the United States during the 1980s and 1990s. Though used for both genders, it has been more commonly given to girls in recent decades. The alternative spelling Dekota remains relatively uncommon, making it appealing to parents seeking a recognizable name with a unique presentation.

Pronounced duh-KOH-tuh.

As of October 2026, Dekota ranked #11317 in US births in 2024 SSA, peaked at #6399 in 2001.

AI-written. Reviewed by Pamela Redmond

Sources: US popularity data is from the Social Security Administration. Meanings and origins are from Nameberry's name references.

Editorial policy

Dekota on lists

Save Dekota

Save to list

Save Dekota

Save to list