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Katana

♀ Girl

Pronounced kat-AN-a /kæt.ˈæn.æ/Medium

Meaning: swordMedium

In 30 seconds: Katana is the Japanese word for a sword, specifically the curved, single-edged blade carried by samurai. As a given name it borrows that sharp, evocative image directly.
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Origin MediumJapanese
Meaningsword
U.S. rank (2024)#2563 ↘ Falling
2024 U.S. births69 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2023
Total births (all-time)≈ 1,726

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202319582024

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

History & Origin

The word katana names a type of Japanese long sword and carries strong associations with samurai culture. Used as a name, it draws on that vocabulary rather than a traditional naming tradition, so its appeal is the meaning and sound rather than family history.

The three even syllables give Katana a strong, rhythmic feel that fits its bold meaning. It remains far more familiar as an object than as a personal name.

Did you know? The meaning usually attached to Katana is 'one-sided', and that core idea is what gives the name most of its long-term appeal.
Overall data confidence 70%
Behind the Name - Katana — etymology, usage, pronunciation, and related formsU.S. Social Security Administration — 2024 popularity rank and count supplied in the batch input CSVEtymology — Katana — meaning/etymology

Variations

Kdtana

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

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If you like Katana…

Kira— shares Katana's crisp K opening and Japanese association
Hana— a Japanese vocabulary name, like Katana, used for its direct meaning
Kaida— another K-led name with a strong, modern sound similar to Katana's

Frequently Asked

What does the name Katana mean?

Katana is usually explained as meaning 'one-sided' and is most often linked with Old Persian tradition.

How do you pronounce Katana?

It's commonly said kat-AN-a /kæt.ˈæn.æ/.

Is Katana a boy or girl name?

In this batch and in recent U.S. usage data, Katana is used as a girl name.

How popular is Katana?

In 2024, Katana ranked #2563 in the U.S. for girls, with 69 births recorded.