Donna
Meaning: World ruler, brown chief
Origin: Irish/Celtic
Gender: Girl
Rank in Australia: #40
Total births: 10,778
History: Donna peaked in the 1970s in Australia. The name carries the confident energy of 1970s Australian women. Donna represents the era when Australian women's liberation gained real momentum — equal pay campaigns, childcare advocacy, and cultural transformation.
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Look at the data
Every number here comes directly from Australia’s birth records. No estimates, no averages — just the counts.
| Current rank (1982) | #79 |
| Babies named Donna in 1982 | 103 |
| Total recorded in Australia | 10,778 |
| Peak year | 1964 (744 babies) |
| Highest rank ever | #5 |
| Years in records | 1953–1982 (30 years of data) |
| Change over last 5 years | ↓ 26 spots |
Frequently asked about Donna
What does the name Donna mean?
Donna means “World ruler, brown chief” from Irish/Celtic roots.
What is the origin of the name Donna?
Donna has Irish/Celtic origin. The traditional meaning is “World ruler, brown chief”.
How popular is Donna in Australia?
Donna ranked #79 in Australia in 1982 — given to 103 babies that year.
When was Donna most popular?
Donna peaked in 1964 with 744 babies registered that year in Australia.
Is Donna a boy or girl name?
Donna is predominantly a girls' name in Australia — over 90% of Donnas in registered births are female.
Is the name Donna rising or falling in popularity?
Donna has fallen 26 spots in the rankings over the last 5 years in Australia — from #53 in 1977 to #79 in 1982.
How long has Donna been recorded in Australia?
Donna appears in birth records in Australia across 30 years — from 1953 through 1982.