Holding steady, #13,208 for girls today.
Popularity of Nanea since 1991
Babies named Nanea per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 16 |
| 2000s | 102 |
| 2010s | 73 |
| 2020s | 39 |
Meaning & origin
Nanea is an uncommon Hawaiian name that has seen modest, sporadic use in the United States. First recorded for a U.S. birth in 1991, it reached its highest popularity in 2009, though it has never been widely adopted. As of 2025, its rank sits at 13,208 with a frequency of approximately 1 in every 267,878 births. The trajectory of its use over the decades has remained stable, suggesting it has not experienced any notable surges or declines. The name is almost exclusively given to girls, and its use remains concentrated among families with ties to Hawaii or those seeking a distinctly Hawaiian name. Despite its rarity, Nanea offers a melodic and culturally meaningful option, with a gentle, pleasant sound.
Nanea is a name of Hawaiian origin, though its exact etymology is debated. It may derive from the Hawaiian word 'nanea', meaning 'delight' or 'pleasure', used in the sense of enjoying leisurely activities. The name has been in occasional use in Hawaii and the mainland United States since the late 20th century, but remains uncommon.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Nani, Nana, Nay
Sibling names for Nanea
Names that share Nanea's style, for a brother or sister.
