Varna

♀ Girl

Pronounced VAHR-nuh /ˈvɑːr.nə/Medium

Meaning: From Sanskrit varna, 'color; hue; appearance'. The same word also names the varna system of social classes in classical Indian texts — a historical usage we note plainly. Separately, Varna is a port city on Bulgaria's Black Sea coast, giving a second, place-name route.Low

In 30 seconds: Two clean beats: Varna is Sanskrit for 'color; hue' (said 'VAHR-nuh'), and also the name of a Bulgarian seaside city.

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Origin LowSanskrit, Bulgarian

MeaningFrom Sanskrit varna, 'color; hue; appearance'. The same word also names the varna system of social classes in classical Indian texts — a historical usage we note plainly. Separately, Varna is a port city on Bulgaria's Black Sea coast, giving a second, place-name route.

U.S. rank (2024)#13329 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births7 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2020

Total births (all-time)≈ 37

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

Varna is the Sanskrit word for 'color; hue; appearance'. In classical Indian literature it is also the term for the varna social-class scheme — a historical meaning we note plainly rather than dress up. A separate route runs through Bulgaria, where Varna is a well-known Black Sea port. Which route a family means is uncertain, which we note (said 'VAHR-nuh').

It appears only rarely for girls in the U.S. Rare, crisp, and geographically well travelled.

Did you know? Varna is Sanskrit for 'color' — and the name of a sunny Black Sea port in Bulgaria. In classical Indian texts the same word also labels the old social-class system, a use worth knowing about (said 'VAHR-nuh').

Overall data confidence 45%

References — Varna — Sanskrit varna 'color'; varna social-class term; Bulgarian port city

Variations

VernaVarnah

Nicknames

VarNana

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If you like Varna…

Verna— the closest sound-alike in English use

Vera— a like short V- pick

Lena— a similar two-beat, soft-ending name

Mira— a like gentle, vowel-bright choice

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By themeuncertain heritage sanskrit place-name

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Varna mean?

Varna is Sanskrit for 'color; hue'. The same word also names the old Indian social-class system, and Varna is a city in Bulgaria.

How do you pronounce Varna?

It's said VAHR-nuh /ˈvɑːr.nə/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Varna a boy or girl name?

Varna is used as a girl's name.

How popular is Varna?

Varna is a rare name for girls in the U.S.