Holding steady, #3,167 for girls today.
Popularity of Rana since 1942
Babies named Rana per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1940s | 84 |
| 1950s | 169 |
| 1960s | 432 |
| 1970s | 1,036 |
| 1980s | 745 |
| 1990s | 658 |
| 2000s | 596 |
| 2010s | 526 |
| 2020s | 307 |
Meaning & origin
Rana is a name with rich multicultural roots, used most often for girls in the United States but with unisex and surname traditions elsewhere. First recorded in U.S. birth data in 1942, it reached its peak popularity in 1975, though it has never been a common choice. As of 2025, it ranks 3,167th, with a steady trajectory and no recent surge. The name appears most frequently in Virginia, Michigan, and California. Its Arabic and Sanskrit associations give it a cross-cultural appeal, though its overall usage remains modest.
Rana has multiple origins. In Arabic, it derives from the verb رنا (ranā), meaning 'to gaze' or 'to look,' often implying beauty or captivation. In Sanskrit, राणा (rāṇā) is a title meaning 'king' or 'queen,' while राना (rānā) is a feminine name meaning 'proud' or 'joyful.' The name has been used across the Middle East, South Asia, and parts of Europe, with varying cultural associations.
Where Rana is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Rana” around the world
Where Rana lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
15
babies in 2024
Ireland
3
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Sibling names for Rana
Names that share Rana's style, for a brother or sister.
