Holding steady.
Popularity of Nanna since 1882
Babies named Nanna per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1925, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Nanna's real moment was 1882.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 15 |
| 1890s | 24 |
| 1900s | 0 |
| 1910s | 57 |
| 1920s | 64 |
| 1930s | 24 |
| 1940s | 41 |
| 1950s | 0 |
| 1960s | 0 |
| 1970s | 5 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 11 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Nanna is a name with ancient roots in Norse mythology, borne by the goddess Nanna, wife of Balder. Despite this mythic origin, the name has never achieved widespread popularity in the United States. It was first recorded in 1882, its peak year, and has seen only sporadic use since. According to Social Security data, the name has remained extremely rare, with no appearances in the top 1000 in recent decades. Its trajectory has been stable at a very low frequency. While Nanna has a strong presence in Scandinavia, it remains a niche choice for American parents seeking a name with a quiet, historical resonance.
Nanna is a name with multiple possible origins. In Scandinavian contexts, it may be a short form of names like Johanna or a feminine form of Nann. Alternatively, it could derive from the Norse goddess Nanna, wife of Balder, whose name means 'daring' or 'mother' in Old Norse. The name has been used in Denmark and Norway since the 19th century. In some cases, it may also be a variant of the Italian/Spanish name Nanna, a diminutive of Anna.
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Nana
Sibling names for Nanna
Names that share Nanna's style, for a brother or sister.
