What does Nana mean and where does it come from?
The name Nana has diverse origins across cultures. In Japanese, it refers to the number seven, often associated with good fortune and symbolism. In Ghana, it is traditionally a term of endearment for 'grandmother' and highlights respect for elders. In Hebrew, Nana connotes elegance and grace. This m
Cultural significance
Nana has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Japanese-speaking communities, where it reflects values of japanese.
Peak popularity
Reached #621 in 1881 — currently #5677 in the US.
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Related Reading
Japanese-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Nana?
Nana works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Nana Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Nana Rose
Floral · soft ending
Nana Claire
French influence · crisp
Nana Jane
Literary · strong
Nana Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Nana right now?
Rising fast — up 1519 spots — currently #5677 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #5677 | 22 | ▲ up 1519 · +38% births |
| 2022 | #7196 | 16 | ▲ up 2175 · +45% births |
| 2021 | #9371 | 11 | ▼ down 4516 · -58% births |
| 2020 | #4855 | 26 | ▲ up 978 · +18% births |
| 2015 | #5833 | 22 | ▼ down 722 · -19% births |
| 2010 | #5111 | 27 | ▼ down 144 · +4% births |
| 2005 | #4967 | 26 | ▼ down 1992 · -45% births |
| 2000 | #2975 | 47 | ▲ up 701 · +62% births |
| 1995 | #3676 | 29 | ▲ up 44 · +4% births |
| 1990 | #3720 | 28 | ▲ up 1650 · +115% births |
| 1985 | #5370 | 13 | ▼ down 1027 · -24% births |
| 1980 | #4343 | 17 | ▼ down 381 · +6% births |
| 1975 | #3962 | 16 | ▲ up 1118 · +60% births |
| 1970 | #5080 | 10 | ▲ up 241 · +43% births |
| 1965 | #5321 | 7 | — |
The story of Nana
Nana has been a beloved American name for over 143 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1881. With 3,240 total births recorded, Nana remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #1091 in 1885, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #5677 in 2023. Nana is used for both genders: 76% female and 24% male.
Names that peaked alongside Nana in 1881:
Nana by decade
Nana peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 49 | |
| 1890s | 85 | |
| 1900s | 53 | |
| 1910s | 174 | |
| 1920s | 205 | |
| 1930s | 182 | |
| 1940s | 202 | |
| 1950s | 172 | |
| 1960s | 108 | |
| 1970s | 214 | |
| 1980s | 260 | |
| 1990s | 443 | |
| 2000s ★ | 605 | |
| 2010s | 443 | |
| 2020s | 45 | |
💎With 3,240 total births, Nana is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Nana?
What names sound and feel like Nana?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Nana also consider these
Common questions about the name Nana
What does the name Nana mean?
Nana means "Japanese" — a name rooted in Japanese tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Nana?
Nana is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Nana have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Nana?
Nana originates from Japanese tradition. Japanese names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Nana?
Nana is a two-syllable name pronounced N AE1 N AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Nana trending right now?
Nana is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.