name
Uncommon
Dana
DAH-nuh
Dana (name) means a unisex given name, used for both men and women in English-speaking countries. Example: “Dana works as an architect in the city.”
name
1
A unisex given name, used for both men and women in English-speaking countries.
"Dana works as an architect in the city."
noun
1
In Buddhist and Hindu traditions, the virtue of generosity, especially giving alms or charity.
"The monks spoke of dana as one of the essential virtues on the path to enlightenment."
How to use Dana
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA common first name; also, in Buddhism and Hinduism, the practice of generous giving.
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Etymology
The given name is of uncertain origin, possibly linked to Daniel; the Buddhist/Hindu sense comes directly from Sanskrit dana, meaning "gift" or "giving."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for Dana
See all rhymes for Dana →Frequently asked questions
What does “Dana” mean?
The word “Dana” means a unisex given name, used for both men and women in English-speaking countries. In plain terms, a common first name; also, in Buddhism and Hinduism, the practice of generous giving.
How do you pronounce “Dana”?
“Dana” is pronounced DAH-nuh (/ˈdeɪ.nə/ in IPA).
How do you use “Dana” in a sentence?
Here is “Dana” used in a sentence: “Dana works as an architect in the city.”
What part of speech is “Dana”?
Depending on how it is used, “Dana” can be a name and a noun.
Where does the word “Dana” come from?
The word “Dana” comes from Sanskrit. The given name is of uncertain origin, possibly linked to Daniel; the Buddhist/Hindu sense comes directly from Sanskrit dana, meaning "gift" or "giving.".
Is “Dana” a common word?
“Dana” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “Dana” have?
“Dana” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a unisex given name, used for both men and women in English-speaking countries.
Is Dana a boy's name or a girl's name?
Dana is a unisex given name used for both men and women in English-speaking countries. Its gender-neutral usage means context or the person's own identification is usually needed to tell which is intended.
What does dana mean in Buddhism and Hinduism?
In Buddhist and Hindu traditions, dana refers to the virtue of generosity, particularly the practice of giving alms or charity. It is considered a spiritual discipline that cultivates selflessness and merit.
Is dana the given name related to the Buddhist concept of dana?
No, they are unrelated. The given name Dana is a Western first name, while dana as a virtue of generosity comes from Sanskrit and Pali roots used in Buddhist and Hindu teaching, and the two share only spelling, not origin.
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