MallowbyNames

Layana

lah-YAH-nah · Of uncertain origin; possibly a modern coinage combining elements of names like Layla and Ana.

2025 rank (girls)
#2,691
Babies named in 2025
64
Peak popularity
2023
2025 frequency
1 in 25,114 girls
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Rising since 2000

Rising since 2000, #2,691 for girls today.

Popularity of Layana since 1978

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

4079119198020002020Most births 2023Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1970s6
1980s0
1990s0
2000s106
2010s349
2020s428

Meaning & origin

Layana is a modern feminine name that first appeared on U.S. birth records in 1978, a time when invented names with lyrical sounds became increasingly fashionable. Its usage has been steadily rising since 2000, and it reached its peak popularity in 2023, reflecting a broader trend toward melodic, vowel-heavy names. As a relatively uncommon choice, it ranks 2691 as of 2025, given to approximately 1 in every 25,114 girls. The name is especially prevalent in Michigan, Illinois, and Florida, suggesting regional appeal in diverse communities. Layana's appeal lies in its soft, contemporary sound, likely inspired by the more established Layla and similar feminine names, making it a fresh and distinctive choice for parents seeking something modern yet familiar.

The name Layana emerged in the United States in the late 20th century, first recorded in 1978. It appears to be a modern creative combination, blending the popular name Layla (of Arabic origin, meaning 'night') with the suffix -ana, perhaps influenced by names like Ana or the gentle suffix in names such as Juliana. The name has seen a rising trajectory since 2000, particularly in the 2020s, and peaked in 2023.

Where Layana is most popular

Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.

Fewermore per 100k girlstoo few births

Layana” around the world

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

  • France

    260

    babies in 2024

Sources: INSEE (France).

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Laya, Lani, Yana

Variants: Layanna, Layania

Sibling names for Layana

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

Sisters: Maya, Aaliyah, Siena, Naya, Lila, Lajada, Mayara

Brothers: Kai, Zane, Eli, Miles, Jace

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

L is for Layana, our favorite little girl.

L is for Layana…”

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

Make Layana's book

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

Questions parents ask

What does the name Layana mean?
The meaning of Layana is uncertain. It is likely a modern invented name, possibly a blend of Layla and Ana.
How popular is Layana today?
Layana is a relatively rare name. In 2025, it ranked 2691 in the U.S., with about 1 in every 25,114 baby girls given that name.
Is Layana a girl's name or a boy's name?
Layana is almost exclusively used as a girl's name.