Lana

♀ Girl

Pronounced LAH-nah /ˈlɑː.nə/High

Meaning: Multiple independent origins: in Hawaiian it means floating or light; in Slavic languages it is a short form of Svetlana meaning light; in Irish from Alanna meaning beauty or little rockMedium

In 30 seconds: Lana is a sun-drenched two-syllable name that glows with multiple meanings — light, beauty, and rock — across Hawaiian, Slavic, and Irish traditions, gaining sultry glamour through Lana Turner.

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Origin MediumHawaiian, Latin, Irish, Slavic

MeaningMultiple independent origins: in Hawaiian it means floating or light; in Slavic languages it is a short form of Svetlana meaning light; in Irish from Alanna meaning beauty or little rock

U.S. rank (2025)#406 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births768 girls (0.04% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1948

Total births (all-time)≈ 57,434

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Lana has multiple independent origins. In Hawaiian it means calm water, floating, or light. In Slavic traditions it is a short form of Svetlana (light). In Irish usage it echoes Alanna meaning beauty or dear child.

Lana became popular in the mid-20th century in the United States, largely through actress Lana Turner. It has seen fresh popularity through singer Lana Del Rey.

Did you know? Hollywood star Lana Turner was discovered at 16 while skipping school and drinking a milkshake at a drugstore across from Hollywood High — and her name immediately became synonymous with golden-age glamour.

Overall data confidence 80%

Behind the Name — Lana — multiple origins notedU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

LannaAlanaSveta

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

★Lana Turner (1921–1995)
American actress and Hollywood Golden Age icon, known as the Sweater Girl.
★Lana Del Rey (1985–present)
American singer-songwriter known for her cinematic, nostalgic pop style.

If you like Lana…

Alana— closest linguistic relative sharing the Irish root and the same melodic simplicity

Nora— shares the crisp, luminous two-syllable feel and vintage Hollywood glamour

Vera— shares the short, cross-cultural European elegance and classic feel

Maya— fellow short multicultural name with the same luminous, effortless beauty

Frequently Asked

What does the name Lana mean?

Lana has multiple meanings: light or floating in Hawaiian, light as a short form of Slavic Svetlana, and beauty in Irish.

How do you pronounce Lana?

It is said LAH-nah /ˈlɑː.nə/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Lana a popular name?

Lana has been consistently used since the mid-20th century and has seen renewed popularity through Lana Del Rey.

What cultures use the name Lana?

Lana is used independently in Hawaiian, Slavic, Irish, and English-speaking cultures.