Diana

Diana, Diane (f) Diana was identified by the Romans
with the Greek Artemis, goddess of light and the moon. The French form of her name, Diane, suddenly became popular in all English-speaking countries around 1950. In Scotland, for instance, it appeared from nowhere to become 48th most frequently used name in 1958. Dianne was also used, but many Scottish parents preferred the original Latin form, Diana, which Scott also favoured for the heroine of Rob Roy (1817).

Dianna is a rare variant, as is Deanna. The latter form was made known by the Canadian actress and singer Deanna Durbin. Diane Cilento and Diana Dors are other actresses who may have helped bring their names
into wider use as has Princess Diana.

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