Lana Overview
- Meaning: The name Lana has a variety of meanings and origins. In Irish, it means “little rock,” while in Hawaii it can mean “calm as still waters” or “afloat.” Greek, German, and Slavic languages usually translate Lana as “sunlight”, “light”, “shining”, “luminescent”, “pure”, “blessed”, or “holy.”
- Gender: Lana is typically a female name.
- Origin: Slavic and Greek.
- Pronunciation: “LAW-nuh.”
- Popularity: The name “Lana” is prominent in English-speaking and Slavic countries. In the United States, Lana has surged in popularity and ranked 374th for newborn girls in 2021.
- Nicknames: Ana, La, Lala, Lana Banana, Lananas, Lonny, Sveta.
- Variations: Alana, Elana, Leanbh, Shweta, Svetlana, Světlana, Svitlana, Sviatlana, Svjetlana, Świetlana.
- Namesakes: Lana Del Rey, Lana Turner, and Lana Wachowski.
What Does the Name Lana Mean?
The name Lana has a variety of meanings. In Irish and Gaelic, it means “little rock.” While in Hawaii, Lana translates as “calm as still waters” or “afloat” (1).
In Germanic, Greek, and Orthodox Slavic countries, Lana carries the meaning of “sunlight”, “light”, “shining”, “luminescent”, “pure”, “blessed”, or “holy” (2).
What Is the Origin of the Name Lana?
Like its meanings, “Lana” has many origins. In Orthodox Slavic nations and Greece, the name was biblical. It derived from the woman at Jacob’s well in the Book of John.
In that context, Russian poet Vasily Zhukovsky made the name popular. Zhukovsky used it in a ballad written in the 19th Century called “Svetlana.”
How Popular Is the Name Lana?
The name “Lana” is mostly found in English-speaking countries, and Bosnia, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Slovenia, and Croatia. In Croatia, it is commonly the number one choice for baby girls.
In the United States, Lana has surged up the charts as a choice for baby girls over the past two decades. At the turn of the 21st Century, the name was barely in the top 1000. However, it broke into the top 500 in 2003 and was 374th in 2021 (3).
Its rise might be in part due to the popularity of the singer Lana Del Rey. The name had previously been popularized in the United States by the actress Lana Turner.
How Do I Pronounce Lana?
Lana is pronounced “LAW-nuh.” It is rarely said as “LAY-nuh” or “LAW-NAH.”
Is Lana a Boy or Girl Name?
Lana is a name most commonly given to girls. You would likely not run into a male with the name, and it has never been recorded in the top 1000 for newborn boys by the Social Security Administration.
Variations of Lana
In Lana form, the name has few variations. Yet, there are many names across the world that incorporate Lana. Let’s take a look at some of them:
- Alana (Irish)
- Elana (Irish)
- Leanbh (Gaelic)
- Shweta (Sanskrit)
- Svetlana (Slavic)
- Světlana (Czech)
- Svitlana (Ukrainian)
- Sviatlana (Belarusian
- Svjetlana (Serbo-Croatian)
- Świetlana (Polish)
Nicknames for Lana
Lana is not the longest name. Of course, that limits the variety of options, with some even being longer than Lana itself. However, you can consider the following:
- Ana
- La
- Lala
- Lana Banana
- Lananas
- Lonny
- Sveta (if Svetlana)
Similar Names to Lana
When looking for an alternative name, you might want one with a similar meaning, a similar sound or letter, or something that has nothing to do with “Lana.” Some options include:
- Alexia
- Amelia
- Bianca
- Delia
- Hannah
- Jessica
- Julia
- Lina
- Melody
- Sasha
Middle Names for Lana
Lana has a deep history and a wide variety of middle names that you can choose. Some are classic while others could be seen as “new age,” such as:
- Brielle
- Cora
- Erin
- Georgia
- Hayley
- Jane
- Janine
- Rose
- Sabrina
- Tilly
Sibling Names for Lana
Reflecting its extensive history and popularity, there are endless names that go well alongside Lana for a sibling of any gender. Some options include:
For a brother:
For a sister:
- Addy
- Alexia
- Coraline
- Isla
- Janie
- Leah
- Lucy
- Maggy
- Mona
- Reya
Famous People Named Lana
There are many famous actresses, politicians, athletes, and directors with the name Lana from the past and present. Some of the most recognizable are:
- Lana: American professional wrestler in the WWE.
- Lana Clarkson: American actress and model best known for her fantasy movie roles.
- Lana Del Rey: American singer and songwriter.
- Lana Theis: American politician from Michigan.
- Lana Turner: American actress and model best known for her roles in “Imitation of Life” and “Madame X.”
- Lana Wachowski: American director noted for her direction in “The Matrix” trilogy.
Lana in Popular Culture
Lana has also spread widely through popular culture. There are many standout characters in mass media, like:
- Lana Lang: DC Comics and television character associated with “Superman.”
- Lana Lazar: Character from the “Gone” novels.
- Lana Winters: A recurring character in the television series “American Horror Story,” played by actress Sarah Paulson.
- Lana Kane: Character in the animated television series “Archer.”
- Lana Herman: Character in the television program “The Cosby Show.”
- Lana: Character in the film “Risky Business.”
Lana FAQs
Now, let’s look at some of the most frequently asked questions about “Lana.” This will cover some gaps we might have missed.
What Does Lana Mean in French?
In France, “Lana” is a girl’s name that means “attractive,” “fair,” and “good looking.”
Is Lana Considered a Beautiful Name?
Lana is a beautiful name that alludes to a space or time. It easily rolls off of the tongue and is never overused. The name Lana also makes one think of springtime and floral patterns while maintaining a sense of strength.
What Is Lana’s Significance as a Name in Arabic?
The name “Lana” is also popular in Muslim communities and cultures. Another of the name’s many origins include Arabic, and mean “gentle,” “soft,” “tender,” or “rock.”
