Diana
Female nameLatin
✨ Meaning
Diana is the name of the Roman goddess of the hunt, the moon and childbirth, and it derives from an Indo-European root meaning heavenly, bright or divine, the same root that gives Latin 'dies' for day and 'deus' for god. The name therefore means something close to 'the bright one' or 'the heavenly one,' which suits a goddess whose principal emblem is the moon.
🌍 Origin
The Romans identified Diana with the Greek Artemis and worshipped her widely, particularly at her sanctuary at Lake Nemi. The name passed into European use and became closely associated in modern times with Diana, Princess of Wales, whose enormous public profile lifted the name sharply in Britain and beyond during the 1980s and 1990s.
📈 Popularity Trend
⭐ Famous People Named Diana
- Diana, Princess of Wales
- Diana Ross
- Diana Rigg
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What does Diana mean?
Diana means 'heavenly' or 'bright,' from an Indo-European root that also produced the Latin words for day and god.
Is Diana the same as Artemis?
The Romans identified their goddess Diana with the Greek Artemis, so the two are counterparts rather than the same name.
Why is Diana associated with royalty?
Diana, Princess of Wales, became one of the most recognised public figures of the late twentieth century, which lifted the name considerably.