I know it’s unisex, but the fact that it used to be mostly used on boys in the 90’s and now it’s mostly used on girls makes me a bit worried that the scales will just keep tipping the opposite direction. There are so many male names that over time became exclusively known as female, and I admit [name_u]Dakota[/name_u] has a feminine sound since it ends in a. wdyt?
I don’t think [name_u]Dakota[/name_u] is too feminine. I would much rather see it on a boy than a girl. [name_m]Even[/name_m] with the a ending, it feels like a softer boy name, which I love. [name_m]Ezra[/name_m] and [name_m]Isaiah[/name_m] both end in a sounds, and lean masculine. I wouldn’t worry about it being feminine: there’s nothing wrong with a softer boy name. I really like [name_u]Dakota[/name_u]!
[name_u]Dakota[/name_u] is one of those absolute unisex names to me. I’ve seen it used for an equal amount of boys and girls, so that when I picture the name, both genders come to mind. The perception someone has of a name always depends on the exposure they’ve had to it.
I can absolutely imagine it on a boy. (Although girl comes to my mind first, but that’s because I know three Dakotas who are girls, so that’s just personal association.) It is unisex and cute. I’d say go for it, and if you feel the need to add some stronger masculinity, just pick some “tougher” middle name.
I don’t think it’s overly feminine, especially paired with a masculine MN. I’d go for it 
Names only become “exclusively feminine” when parents of boys stop using them. I know about an equal number of boy and girl Dakotas, so I don’t associate the name with either sex.
It’s truly unisex as place names should be. [name_m]Just[/name_m] because girls have it doesn’t mean boys can’t!
I don’t think [name_u]Dakota[/name_u] sounds feminine or that names ending in -a automatically have a feminine sound. I also don’t think it will ever be known as an exclusively female name, especially in the US because of the two states. The only [name_u]Dakota[/name_u] I’ve ever personally known was male and the name suited him.
I know a male [name_u]Dakota[/name_u] and I think it works great for guys or girls! I’ve always thought of it as a purely unisex name.
My husband’s name is [name_u]Dakota[/name_u] and he doesn’t have many issues with it. Some people automatically assume (by his name) that he is a female, but his biggest issue is when people think they are so freaking hilarious that they ask “Are you [name_u]North[/name_u] or South?” as in the 2 States… He hates that.
I think this is one of of the very few true unisex names, though. Most people, including myself, seem to know a mixed number of both genders who have the name.
There’s no issue. [name_u]Dakota[/name_u] is cute for either gender.
[name_u]Dakota[/name_u] works for either gender.