A 1940s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Lana since 1885
Babies named Lana per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 21 |
| 1890s | 63 |
| 1900s | 81 |
| 1910s | 142 |
| 1920s | 230 |
| 1930s | 251 |
| 1940s | 10,199 |
| 1950s | 8,932 |
| 1960s | 8,320 |
| 1970s | 5,235 |
| 1980s | 3,484 |
| 1990s | 2,083 |
| 2000s | 5,766 |
| 2010s | 7,921 |
| 2020s | 4,706 |
Meaning & origin
Lana first appeared on U.S. records in 1885, but its modern trajectory began rising in 1997 after decades of relative obscurity. The name reached its peak popularity in 1948, coinciding with the heyday of actress Lana Turner. In 2025, Lana ranks 406th, with a rate of 1 in 2,093 girls, showing steady renewed interest. The name is most popular in Hawaii, New Jersey, and Connecticut, reflecting a coastal and diverse appeal.
Lana emerged as an independent name in the late 19th century. It may derive from Helen (Greek, 'light') or as a short form of names like Elana or Alana. In Slavic languages, Lana is a diminutive of names like Svetlana ('light'). Its modern popularity was boosted by film actress Lana Turner in the 1940s.
Where Lana 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.
“Lana” around the world
Where Lana lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
#75
in 2024
Ireland
21
babies in 2025
Quebec
23
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Sibling names for Lana
Names that share Lana's style, for a brother or sister.
Names like Lana
Names whose popularity has moved with Lana's over the last 50 years.
