Diana: Name Guide
Quick Summary: Diana is a female name of Latin origin, meaning "divine" or "heavenly". It has strong connections to Roman mythology as the goddess of the hunt, the moon, and nature.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Origin | Latin |
| Meaning | Divine, heavenly |
| Gender | Female |
| Pronunciation | die-AN-uh |
Etymology of Diana
Diana derives from Latin diviana, a form related to divus (divine) and dius (heavenly, of the sky). The name is closely associated with the Roman goddess Diana, whose identity was linked to light, the moon, and the natural world.
In Roman mythology, Diana was the virgin goddess of the hunt, wild animals, and the moon—equivalent to the Greek goddess Artemis. Her name came to symbolize independence, strength, and connection to nature. The Romans associated her with childbirth and the protection of women, making her one of the most venerated deities in the ancient world.
The name entered common use in the English-speaking world during the Renaissance, when classical names experienced a revival. It gained further momentum in the 19th and 20th centuries as parents sought names with mythological and literary resonance.
History of Diana
Origins and Early Use
Diana originated as the name of a major Roman deity worshipped from at least the 6th century BCE. Her primary temple was located on the Aventine Hill in Rome, and she was honored throughout the Roman Empire. Unlike many divine names that remained strictly sacred, Diana gradually entered use as a personal name in medieval Europe, though it remained uncommon until the modern era.
Rise to Popularity
The name Diana experienced significant growth in the English-speaking world during the mid-20th century. Its popularity was influenced by literary references, including Shakespeare's use of the name in All's Well That Ends Well, and by the broader cultural trend of reviving classical names.
| Era | Event | Impact on Name |
|---|---|---|
| 1940s–1960s | Post-war classical revival | Diana rose to #42 in 1946, becoming a top-50 name |
| 1961 | Diana Spencer born (later Princess of Wales) | Sustained visibility and cultural prominence |
| 1981 | Diana's royal wedding | Renewed interest; name remained in top 100 |
| 1997 | Death of Princess Diana | Peak of cultural association; name became memorial symbol |
Modern Usage
Diana remains a well-recognized name, ranking #243 in the US as of 2024. While it has declined from its mid-20th-century peak, it retains a classic and dignified quality. The name continues to evoke associations with Princess Diana, whose humanitarian work and global influence cemented the name's modern legacy.
Key insight: This name rose because of a broader cultural embrace of classical mythology and Roman history, and later became inseparable from the public image of Princess Diana. It has stabilized as a recognizable but less common choice in the 21st century.
Why people choose this name: People tend to choose Diana when they want to convey elegance, strength, and independence, especially in contexts involving classical tradition, royal associations, or connection to nature and femininity.
Variants of Diana
| Language | Form | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| English | Diana, Diane | Diane peaked earlier (1950s) |
| French | Diane | Standard French form |
| Spanish | Diana | Same as English |
| Italian | Diana | Same as English |
| Portuguese | Diana | Same as English |
| Russian | Диана (Diana) | Transliterated form |
For digital IDs, shorter forms tend to be more practical than full international variants. Consider length, spelling clarity, and memorability.
Nicknames
Di, Didi, Ana, Dee
Similar Names
- Diane - English variant, more popular in the 1950s–1960s
- Artemis - Greek counterpart to Diana
- Selene - Another moon goddess name from Greek mythology
- Luna - Latin for "moon," shares thematic connection
Diana Popularity
US Rankings (SSA Data)
| Decade | Rank | Births |
|---|---|---|
| 1900s | #660 | 29 |
| 1920s | #443 | 232 |
| 1940s | #117 | 2,195 |
| 1960s | #53 | 8,327 |
| 1980s | #118 | 2,615 |
| 2000s | #106 | 3,166 |
| 2020s | #245 | 1,236 |
| 2024s | #243 | 1,293 |
Peak: 1946, ranked #42 (7,544 births)
Current (2024): #243 (1,293 births)
Trend analysis: Diana's peak coincided with the post-war revival of classical names and remained elevated through the royal association with Princess Diana. The name has gradually declined but retains steady usage as a classic choice.
Note: Popularity rankings reflect birth records and do not necessarily indicate current digital usage or username availability.
Diana as a Username
Availability
"diana" as a username is often taken on major platforms, though availability varies by service and region.
Variations for IDs
| Style | Example | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | diana | Professional |
| With numbers | diana99 | Gaming |
| Abbreviated | di, dee | Social media |
| Stylized | xdiana, dianax | Creative, preserves core sound |
Digital Impression
Diana as an ID tends to project:
- Classic elegance - because of its mythological and royal associations
- Strength and independence - because of the goddess's role as a protector and huntress
- Timeless quality - because it has remained recognizable across centuries
Best for: Professional profiles, creative platforms, or personal branding that values tradition and dignity.
Avoid if: you prefer highly unique or abstract usernames.
Is Diana good for a username?
Diana works well as a username if you value classical resonance, elegance, and cultural depth. However, due to its longstanding popularity, you may need variations like "diana.official", "dianaxo", or "dee.diana" to secure availability.
FAQ
What does Diana mean?
Diana means "divine" or "heavenly" from Latin. It is most famously associated with the Roman goddess of the hunt and the moon.
Is Diana popular?
According to SSA data, Diana ranks #243 in the US (2024). It is stable but significantly lower than its mid-20th-century peak.
What are nicknames for Diana?
Common nicknames: Di, Didi, Ana, Dee.
Is Diana a boy's or girl's name?
Diana is traditionally a female name. It has remained exclusively feminine in modern usage.
How do you pronounce Diana?
Diana is pronounced die-AN-uh. In some regions, it may be pronounced dee-AH-nah (Spanish or Italian influence).
Is Diana good for a username?
Diana works well as a username if you value elegance and classical associations, though availability may require variation.
Related Names
- Diane - French variant, peaked earlier in the US
- Artemis - Greek equivalent, goddess of the hunt
- Luna - Latin for "moon," shares mythological theme, often preferred for digital IDs
Sources: SSA Baby Names (ssa.gov), Oxford Dictionary of First Names
Last updated: February 2026