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Home › Baby Names Directory › Nana

Nana

♂ Boy

Pronounced NAH-nah /ˈnɑ.nɑ/Medium

Meaning: From Akan (Ghanaian), 'a king/chief; a grandparent; an ancestor' — a revered honorific; used for both sexes; here for boys; routes layeredLow

In 30 seconds: A king/chief; an ancestor: Nana is an Akan honorific. Crisp, dignified, and warm. Used for both sexes (here for boys; said 'NAH-nah').
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Origin LowAkan
MeaningFrom Akan (Ghanaian), 'a king/chief; a grandparent; an ancestor' — a revered honorific; used for both sexes; here for boys; routes layered
U.S. rank (2025)#5773 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births16 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2014
Total births (all-time)≈ 866

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 201419722025

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Nana comes from Akan (Ghanaian), 'a king/chief; a grandparent; an ancestor' — a revered honorific given to royalty and elders (routes layered, which we note). Used for both sexes, here for boys (slug distinguished; borne by footballer Nana; said 'NAH-nah').

In the U.S. it appears in Ghanaian families. Rare, a-king-and-an-ancestor at the root, and dignified.

Did you know? Nana is a revered Akan (Ghanaian) honorific — 'a king/chief; a grandparent; an ancestor' — a crisp, dignified name, used for both sexes (here for boys; the routes are layered, which we note; said 'NAH-nah').
Overall data confidence 42%
References — Nana — honorific; routes layered

Variations

NanaaNana Kwame

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Nana…

Kwame— a fellow Akan day-name boys' name
Kofi— a companion Akan day-name boys' name
Kwabena— another Akan day-name boys' name
Dana— the same unisex feel
Kona— another unisex pick

Explore names like Nana

By themeuncertainunisexakanghanaian
By meaningRoyal / NobleHonorLeader

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Nana mean?

Nana is an Akan honorific — 'a king/chief; a grandparent; an ancestor'; the routes are layered.

How do you pronounce Nana?

It's said NAH-nah /ˈnɑ.nɑ/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Nana a boy or girl name?

Nana is used for both sexes; this page covers its use as a boy's name.

How popular is Nana?

Nana is a rare name in the U.S.

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