Lyanna

Meaning & origin

Lyanna is a modern name that first appeared on the U.S. baby name charts in 1975 but remained obscure for decades. Its popularity began a steady climb starting in 1986, and it reached its peak rank in 2019. As of 2025, it ranks 877th nationally, with roughly 1 in 5,270 newborn girls receiving the name. The name has seen particular favor in states like Kansas, Texas, and New Jersey. Its rise in the 2010s likely reflects cultural resonance, though its exact meaning remains elusive.

Lyanna first appeared in the 1970s, likely as a modern coinage blending elements like 'Lynn' and 'Anna' or as a variant of Liana, which derives from the Latin 'liana' (a climbing vine). Its popularity surged after George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series (1996), featuring a character named Lyanna Stark, though the name predates the books. It remains a relatively rare but rising choice, especially in the United States.