Declining since 2002, #1,367 for girls today.
Popularity of Ayanna since 1971
Babies named Ayanna per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 1,547 |
| 1980s | 866 |
| 1990s | 3,423 |
| 2000s | 6,246 |
| 2010s | 3,058 |
| 2020s | 1,186 |
Meaning & origin
Ayanna entered the U.S. baby name charts in 1971 and saw its peak popularity in 2003, when it ranked 1,367th. Since 2002, its usage has been steadily declining, though it retains a steady, modest presence. In 2025, approximately 1 in 9,983 baby girls received the name. The name is most common in Massachusetts, Virginia, and North Carolina. Ayanna's Swahili meaning 'beautiful flower' and its melodic sound have contributed to its enduring appeal among families seeking a name with African roots. It is often considered a variant of the Native American name Aiyana, which shares a similar meaning.
Ayanna is derived from the Swahili word for 'beautiful flower.' It is also considered a variant of the name Aiyana, which has Native American origins. The name gained popularity in the United States during the 1970s, reflecting a broader interest in African and African-American cultural heritage.
Where Ayanna is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Ayanna” around the world
Where Ayanna lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
35
babies in 2024
Quebec
6
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Aya, Anna, Annie
Sibling names for Ayanna
Names that share Ayanna's style, for a brother or sister.
Names like Ayanna
Names whose popularity has moved with Ayanna's over the last 50 years.
