Lana is a popular name that has been around for centuries. It has a rich history and meaning that varies depending on the culture and language. In this article, we will explore the origin and meaning of the name Lana, famous people named Lana, variations of the name, and its popularity.
The name Lana has Slavic and Greek origins and means “rock” or “handsome.” It is a short form of the names Alana and Svetlana. In English-speaking countries, the name was popularized by actress Lana Turner, who was born Julia Jean Turner. Today, it is a popular name for baby girls and has surged in popularity in recent years.
Overall, the name Lana has a strong and beautiful meaning that has made it a popular choice for parents around the world. In the following sections, we will take a closer look at the different aspects of the name and its significance.
Key Takeaways
- Lana is a popular name with Slavic and Greek origins that means “rock” or “handsome.”
- The name was popularized by actress Lana Turner and has surged in popularity in recent years.
- Lana has variations in different cultures and languages and has been used by many famous people.
Origin of the Name Lana
The name Lana has a few possible origins. One is from the Slavic language, where it means “light.” Another possible origin is from the Greek name Helen, which means “shining light.” In addition, Lana can be derived from the Germanic name Alana or the Irish Gaelic name ailin, which means “little rock.”
The name’s use in Irish probably derives from the phrase a leanbh, which was used to call a child. In Hawaiian, Lana means “calm as still waters” or “afloat.”
Overall, the name Lana has a diverse set of origins, with meanings ranging from light to calmness. It is a popular name in English-speaking and Slavic countries and has surged in popularity in the United States in recent years.
| Origin | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Slavic | Light |
| Greek | Shining light |
| Germanic | Little rock |
| Irish Gaelic | Little rock |
| Hawaiian | Calm as still waters or afloat |
Meaning of Lana in Different Cultures
Lana in Slavic Languages
The name Lana has Slavic origins and is derived from the name Svetlana, which means “light” or “pure.” Lana is a diminutive form of Svetlana and is commonly used in Slavic countries such as Russia, Croatia, and Slovenia. In these cultures, the name is associated with beauty, grace, and elegance.
Lana in Gaelic Languages
In Gaelic languages, such as Irish and Scottish, the name Lana is a variant of the name Lanna, which means “land” or “estate.” It is also a diminutive form of the name Alana, which means “harmony” or “peace.” In these cultures, the name is associated with nature, tranquility, and serenity.
Lana in Hawaiian Culture
In Hawaiian culture, the name Lana means “calm as still waters” or “afloat.” It is also associated with the Hawaiian word “lana’i,” which means “a place of refuge” or “a place of peace.” In this culture, the name is associated with the ocean, relaxation, and peace.
Overall, the name Lana has different meanings and associations in different cultures. However, it is often associated with beauty, tranquility, and elegance.
Famous People Named Lana
The name Lana has been given to many notable people throughout history. Here are some of the most famous:
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Lana Del Rey: Born Elizabeth Woolridge Grant, Lana Del Rey is an American singer-songwriter known for her unique and haunting voice. She has released several successful albums, including “Born to Die” and “Lust for Life.”
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Lana Turner: Lana Turner was an American actress who rose to fame in the 1940s and 1950s. She appeared in many popular films, including “The Postman Always Rings Twice” and “Peyton Place.”
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Lana Parrilla: Lana Parrilla is an American actress known for her role as the Evil Queen/Regina Mills on the hit television series “Once Upon a Time.” She has also appeared in several other popular television shows, including “24” and “Lost.”
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Lana Wood: Lana Wood is an American actress and producer who is best known for her role as Plenty O’Toole in the James Bond film “Diamonds Are Forever.” She is the younger sister of actress Natalie Wood.
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Lana Wachowski: Lana Wachowski is an American film director, screenwriter, and producer. She is best known for co-directing the popular “Matrix” film series with her sister, Lilly Wachowski.
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Lana Rhoades: Lana Rhoades is an American adult film actress and model. She has won several awards for her work in the industry and has become one of the most popular performers in recent years.
Overall, the name Lana has been associated with many successful and talented individuals throughout history.
Popularity of the Name Lana
The name Lana has been a popular choice for baby girls in various cultures and languages. In English-speaking and Slavic countries, Lana has surged in popularity, ranking 374th for newborn girls in the United States in 2021.
According to BabyCenter user data, Lana is expected to be the 261st most popular name for baby girls in 2023, a decrease of 16 spots from 2022. Although it has been rising steadily since the early 2000s, Lana still sits in the popularity “sweet spot” – familiar, but not overused.
Lana is a simple, sleek, and seamlessly international name, making it a great choice for parents who want a unique name that is not too outlandish. The name has various nicknames, including Ana, La, Lala, Lana Banana, Lananas, Lonny, Sveta, and variations such as Alana, Elana, Leanbh, Shweta, Svetlana, Světlana, Svitlana, Sviatlana, Svjetlana, and Świetlana.
In addition to its Slavic roots, the name Lana has Polynesian origins, where it means “to float.” In Hawaiian, it means “calm as still waters” or “afloat.” The name was popularized in the English-speaking world by actress Lana Turner.
Overall, the name Lana’s popularity continues to rise, making it a great choice for parents who want a name that is both unique and familiar.
Variations of the Name Lana
The name Lana has a few variations and nicknames that you might find interesting. Here are some of them:
- Ana: This is a simple and straightforward nickname for Lana. It’s a popular variation in Slavic countries and English-speaking countries.
- Lala: This is a cute and fun nickname for Lana. It’s commonly used by family and close friends.
- Lananas: This is a playful and unique variation of Lana. It’s not very common, but it’s definitely memorable.
- Lonny: This is a gender-neutral variation of Lana. It’s not very popular, but it’s a good option if you’re looking for something different.
- Sveta: This is a Slavic variation of Lana. It means “shining” or “bright” and is a popular name in Russia and other Slavic countries.
In addition to these variations, Lana can also be spelled differently depending on the language and culture. For example, in Russia, it can be spelled Лана, while in Serbia, it can be spelled Лана or Ljana.
Overall, Lana is a versatile name that can be adapted to different languages and cultures. Whether you prefer a traditional or unique variation, there’s something for everyone.