# Dana

/ˈdeɪnə/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/dana
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. religious generosity

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

the act of giving to others or being generous, especially in religions like Buddhism or Hinduism.

For teachers: the practice of cultivating generosity or almsgiving in Indian philosophical and religious traditions.

- The monks rely on the daily dana of the local community for their food.
- In many Buddhist traditions, the practice of dana is considered the first step toward spiritual development and the overcoming of greed.

Usage: Often used as an uncountable noun in a philosophical context.

### 2. a person's name

noun · CEFR A1

a common first name for a person, often used for women but sometimes for men.

For teachers: a common unisex given name, though more frequently feminine in modern usage.

- Dana is starting her new job at the hospital next Monday.
- The department head, Dana Miller, requested a full audit of the quarterly expenses before the board meeting.

Usage: Capitalized as a proper noun.

## Examples

- Dana is my best friend from school.
- The manager asked Dana to lead the presentation because of her excellent public speaking skills.
- While the name Dana has various etymological roots across different continents, it remains a popular choice for parents seeking a name that is easily pronounced in multiple languages.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.