MallowbyNames

Inanna

ee-NAH-nah · Of uncertain meaning; possibly linked to the Sumerian words for 'lady of heaven' or 'queen of heaven'.

2025 rank (girls)
#8,860
Babies named in 2025
11
Peak popularity
2020
2025 frequency
1 in 146,115 girls
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Rising since 2010

Rising since 2010, #8,860 for girls today.

Popularity of Inanna since 1998

Babies named Inanna per year in U.S. Social Security records.

51116200020102020Most births 2020Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1990s5
2000s23
2010s64
2020s63

Meaning & origin

Inanna is a name of ancient Sumerian origin, best known as the name of the goddess of love, war, and fertility. The name first entered U.S. records in 1998, and as of 2025, it ranks 8,860 with a 1-in-146,115 incidence among newborn girls. Its popularity has been steadily rising since 2010, peaking in 2020. While not yet a household name, Inanna appeals to parents drawn to mythological and powerful female archetypes. Its unique sound and historical depth make it a distinctive choice for those seeking a name with ancient roots and modern femininity.

Inanna is the name of an ancient Sumerian goddess of love, beauty, sex, war, and political power. The name's etymology is debated; it may derive from the Sumerian elements 'nin' meaning 'lady' and 'an' meaning 'heaven,' together signifying 'lady of heaven.' The name was never common as a personal name in antiquity but has seen modern revival as a given name, particularly in the United States, since the late 20th century.

Inanna” around the world

Where Inanna lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.

  • France

    5

    babies in 2024

Sources: INSEE (France).

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Ina, Anna, Nana

Variants: Ishtar

Sibling names for Inanna

Names that share Inanna's style, for a brother or sister.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

I is for Inanna, our favorite little girl.

I is for Inanna…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Inanna's letter becomes Inanna's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Inanna's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Inanna mean?
Inanna is an ancient Sumerian name of debated meaning, often interpreted as 'lady of heaven' or 'queen of heaven.'
How popular is the name Inanna?
In 2025, Inanna ranked 8,860 in the United States, with about 1 in 146,115 newborn girls given the name. It has been rising in popularity since 2010.
Is Inanna a girl's name?
Yes, Inanna is predominantly used as a girl's name, reflecting its origin as a goddess name.