National Dakota Day: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about National Dakota Day (2025) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. National Dakota Day is observed on May 8th.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of National Dakota Day, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as important facts you should know about National Dakota Day.

📅 What day is National Dakota Day 2025?

In 2025, National Dakota Day is on Monday, May 8th. It is the 2nd Monday in May; in 2024, it is Wednesday. There are until the next observance. You also can discover all intriguing details and facts about May 8, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

Every year on May 8th, we celebrate National Dakota Day to pay tribute to all individuals named Dakota, regardless of their origin in the Americas, Europe, or elsewhere. The name Dakota is unisex and is derived from the names of two states in the United States – North Dakota and South Dakota. These states were inhabited by the Dakota tribe, who were indigenous Native Americans. In the Dakota languages of Santee and Yankton-Yanktonai, the name translates to “friend,” “friendly,” or “allies.” Since the 1800s, the US Army cavalry units have adopted “Dakota” as a substitute for the letter “D” in their communications.

📜 National Dakota Day History

Based on data from the Social Security Administration (S.S.A.), there have been approximately 106,690 individuals named Dakota in the United States over the past century. The name reached its peak popularity as a baby name in 1994, experiencing a significant increase of 127.1%. Since then, it has remained popular in the country. In 1994, 5,533 newborns were given the name Dakota, accounting for 0.1502% of all baby boys born in the United States. This year, the name’s popularity reached its highest point at 0.181%, with over 7,000 boys being named Dakota.

In terms of ethnicity, individuals with the surname “Dakota” are predominantly White (78%), followed by Black (14.7%), Hispanic (3.5%), Asian or Pacific Islander (1.4%), American Indian or Alaskan Native (0.9%), and mixed race (1.5%). If you’re looking to encounter someone named Dakota, the state with the highest likelihood is Maine, where there are approximately 8.42 Dakotas for every 100,000 residents. Texas has the largest number of individuals named Dakota, with around 316 people bearing the name.

✅ National Dakota Day Facts

🔖 She started off modeling
She began her career as a model, and in 2006, she secured a modeling contract that propelled her career forward.

🔖 She owns a production company
In addition to being an actress and model, she is also a co-owner of Teatime Pictures alongside Ro Donnelly, a former executive at Netflix in charge of development.

🔖 She’s a natural blonde
Although people often describe her as a brunette, she is in fact naturally blonde.

👍 Why Is National Dakota Day Important

They feel special when they celebrate National Dakota Day. It is not necessary to be a star to be celebrated.

After seeing the name being celebrated, more people will give it to their children. It increases the number of people on the globe named Dakota.

Dakotas are more likely to meet each other now that their name is being celebrated. What better way to commemorate your birthday than by getting to know other Dakotas?

🙂 How To Observe National Dakota Day

⚡ Spread awareness

⚡ Become friends with a Dakota
Mark the special occasion by befriending someone from Dakota. It’s a great way to kick off the celebrations, thanks to the easy and straightforward nature of connecting with people on social media!

⚡ Wish Dakota well
Raise awareness about National Dakota Day. The more people who are aware of the holiday, the better it will be enjoyed.

📅 When is National Dakota Day?

See all 🔗 May holidays, including 🔗 Fun and other 🔗 Appreciation holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and cool facts about National Dakota Day. So be sure to check back soon.