Dina

female

Origin

Derived from the Hebrew name דִּינָה (Dinah), meaning 'judged' or 'vindicated'. In the Bible, Dinah was the daughter of Jacob and Leah, making the name historically significant in Judaic tradition. In Australian contexts, the name has been adopted beyond its original religious associations, often appreciated for its simplicity and melodic quality.

Meaning

Lit., 'judged' or 'vindicated'. In Australian English, the name connotes strength, justice, and clarity, often appreciated for its straightforward and gentle sound.

Pronunciation

/diːnə/ (DEE-nuh, with emphasis on the first syllable) ,Australian pronunciation tends to flatten the vowels slightly compared to British or American accents.

Variants & Nicknames

Variants

  • Dinah (original), Dina (common variation), Deena (less common)
  • In Hebrew script: דִּינָה.
  • In Māori: No direct variant, but adapted as a transcribed name in some contexts.

Nicknames

  • Di
  • Dina
  • Dinah

Name Days

  • 04 October (Feast of Saint Dinah in some Christian calendars)
  • 27 July (Māori celebration of Matariki, where names related to justice and renewal are common)
  • 20 February (Australian cultural appreciation day for indigenous justice)

Name Pairings

Names that pair well with dina:

  • Alice and Dinah
  • Emma and Dinah,
  • Sophie and Dinah

Fun Facts

  • The name Dinah appears in various Australian folk songs and stories, symbolising resilience.
  • Some Australian authors have used the name Dinah for characters representing justice and virtue in children's literature.
  • Famous Australian personalities with the name include Dinah Shearing, a prominent jazz singer.

Personality Traits

Common traits associated with the name dina:

  • Gentle
  • Resilient
  • Just and fair-minded
  • Loyal
  • Compassionate

Aesthetic Qualities

The name has a simple, elegant aesthetic with balanced symmetry in its spelling and a soft melodic sound, making it visually and aurally appealing in Australian print and speech.

Geographical Distribution

More prevalent in metropolitan areas such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, where biblical and traditional names tend to be more popular. Less common in remote or indigenous communities.

Numerological Significance

The name Dinah corresponds to the number 9 in numerology, symbolising completion, humanitarianism, and idealism, which aligns with the traits associated with the name.

Astrological Connections

Associated with the zodiac signs Pisces and Cancer, reflecting qualities of intuition, emotional sensitivity, and nurturing in Australian astrology traditions.

Historical Context

The name gained a poetic and literary prominence through its biblical roots and was popularised in Australia by literary figures and pioneering families in the 19th and early 20th centuries. It also appears in Australian folk and ballad traditions, often as a symbol of strength and virtue.

Linguistic Adaptability

The name adapts well across languages, maintaining its phonetic integrity in various scripts including Latin, Cyrillic, and Arabic. It is easily transposed across European languages with minimal phonetic alteration.

Famous People Named dina

  • Dinah Shearing (Jazz musician)
  • Dinah Lee (Singer)
  • Dinah Kaye (Actress and singer)

Popularity in Australia

Year Count
2024 2
2015 3