Lana
Lana is a girl name of Slavic, Hawaiian origin meaning “Light, or calm as still water”, pronounced LAH-nuh. It ranked #406 in the United States in 2025, given to 768 babies, and peaked at #188 in 1948. Common nicknames: Lan, Lala.
How popular is Lana in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Lana mean, and where does it come from?
Lana has multiple rich origins. In Slavic languages it began as a short form of Svetlana, meaning "light," while in Hawaiian it means "to float" or "calm," evoking peaceful, serene imagery. The name reached international fame through Hollywood actress Lana Turner, born Julia Jean Turner, who adopted it as her glamorous stage name in the 1930s. Its clean, two-syllable elegance has kept it a timeless choice across generations and cultures.
How is Lana used around the world?
Lana is used in 3 languages worldwide, with 11+ international variants.
Male FormLan
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Lana?
Famous People Named Lana
- Lana Turner — American film actress and Hollywood icon
- Lana Del Rey — American singer-songwriter
- Lana Condor — American actress known for To All the Boys I've Loved Before
Similar Names to Lana
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Sibling Name Ideas for Lana
Looking for names that pair well with Lana? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Lana mean?
Lana is a girl name of Slavic, Hawaiian origin meaning "Light, or calm as still water." Lana has multiple rich origins. In Slavic languages it began as a short form of Svetlana, meaning "light," while in Hawaiian it means "to float" or "calm," evoking peaceful, serene imagery.
How do you pronounce Lana?
Lana is pronounced LAH-nuh. Common variations include Lanna, Lanae, Svetlana.
Is Lana a girl name?
Yes, Lana is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Lan, Lala.