Rising since 1985, #1,427 for girls today.
Popularity of Sana since 1923
Babies named Sana per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1920s | 10 |
| 1930s | 0 |
| 1940s | 5 |
| 1950s | 39 |
| 1960s | 43 |
| 1970s | 142 |
| 1980s | 478 |
| 1990s | 888 |
| 2000s | 1,186 |
| 2010s | 1,222 |
| 2020s | 860 |
Meaning & origin
Sana is a feminine name of multiple origins, most notably Arabic and Sanskrit, with radiant meanings of 'splendor' and 'brilliance' in Arabic and 'ancient' in Sanskrit. Since its first recorded use in the United States in 1923, the name has followed a rising trajectory, especially from 1985 onward, reflecting growing multicultural appreciation. In 2025, it ranked 1,427 nationally with approximately 1 in 10,644 girls receiving the name, and it reached its peak popularity in 2022. The name shows strong geographic diversity, with top states including Virginia, California, and New Jersey. Its simplicity, positive meaning, and cross-cultural appeal have contributed to its steady climb.
The name Sana has multiple potential origins. In Arabic, it derives from the root s-n-w, giving sanā' meaning 'radiance, brilliance, or splendor,' and is often used as a feminine given name in the Arabic-speaking world. In Sanskrit, Sana (साना) means 'old' or 'ancient' and appears in Hindu contexts. The name also exists in Japanese (さな) as a feminine given name meaning 'beautiful' or 'truth,' though this is less common internationally. The Arabic interpretation is the most widely recognized globally, especially in Muslim communities.
Where Sana is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Sana” around the world
Where Sana lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
195
babies in 2024
Ireland
6
babies in 2025
Quebec
7
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Sani, Sanny, Nana
Sibling names for Sana
Names that share Sana's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Leila, Amira, Zara, Noor, Maya, Ahana, Amarah, Amyra, Anisha, Ashia, Eman, Iman, Kamya, Karizma, Keya, Marwa, Meera, Navya, Prisha, Samaya, Sania, Zari, Aesha, Aina, Akila, Anisah, Ashna, Asra, Dayani, Disha, Duaa, Hibah, Kriti, Mahika, Miral, Misk, Naina, Naira, Najma, Najwa, Niema, Nihira, Nyana, Sarayu, Semira, Veera, Wafa, Aasia, Ammara, Anala, Anavi, Bani, Chanika, Deeya, Divisha, Eisha, Hiyab, Jinan, Khala, Khira, Mahreen, Minahil, Mishal, Nehal, Nimra, Nishika, Nusrat, Nysha, Ramani, Ranyah, Rashi, Senai, Tamanna, Tarika, Kasani, Meha, Aaima, Aashika, Ahsha, Anuja, Areebah, Aryani, Dhruti, Erum, Falak, Farheen, Faryal, Inayat, Kushi, Lailee, Manvi, Minal, Naavya, Namirah, Narah, Niari, Nitara, Radhya, Raisha, Sayana, Sehrish, Seniya, Shamila, Simrin, Sunjai, Taara, Taima, Tajia, Tesneem, Toleen, Vinisha, Waniya, Zeba
Brothers: Omar, Zayn, Rayan, Adam, Elias, Aarush, Aman, Ameer, Anirudh, Anish, Ashwin, Atharv, Ishaan, Jahir, Karim, Kiran, Malik, Nima, Sahil, Viaan, Amay, Angad, Aquil, Arav, Areeb, Aveer, Danish, Dasan, Dewan, Esvin, Evaan, Farid, Malyk, Nafis, Naman, Nilan, Param, Rajon, Rihaan, Rishan, Ruhaan, Sahaj, Samay, Shaden, Shaheem, Shiven, Siddarth, Sohum, Vir, Ahan, Ahyan, Amjad, Aryav, Camar, Harsha, Jawaan, Kasir, Khairi, Khalib, Kiyaan, Manan, Nadim, Nalin, Nas, Nihal, Nivaan, Paras, Rafay, Raif, Ronav, Sanav, Shahzaib, Shakeel, Shray, Sirr, Tanvir, Wisam, Zeeshan, Samik, Aarit, Aavyan, Anir, Arihant, Arshaan, Dameer, Devaansh, Ekansh, Garv, Hanish, Hriday, Kahaan, Kethan, Maanav, Nahyan, Nasai, Nazair, Nilay, Niyam, Ramal, Riaz, Rishit, Rohail, Sahan, Sanay, Shayon, Shreyansh, Tanav, Vedh, Zuhayr
