Nana
Nana is a boy's name of African origin.
Meaning
King, chief, or monarch; also used as a title of respect.
Origin and history
Nana is a given name and royal title of West African origin, particularly within Akan culture, meaning king or chief. In many Western cultures, it is also widely used as a diminutive or an affectionate term for grandmother. While historically less common as a masculine given name in the United States, it maintains steady usage.
Popularity in the United States
866 babies in the United States have been named Nana since 1880. It ranks #3811 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1832.
States where it is most popular
- NY (64.2 %)
- NJ (15.6 %)
- MD (13.9 %)
- MA (3.5 %)
- VA (2.9 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 0 |
| 1890-1900 | 0 |
| 1900-1910 | 0 |
| 1910-1920 | 0 |
| 1920-1930 | 0 |
| 1930-1940 | 0 |
| 1940-1950 | 0 |
| 1950-1960 | 0 |
| 1960-1970 | 0 |
| 1970-1980 | 44 |
| 1980-1990 | 69 |
| 1990-2000 | 174 |
| 2000-2010 | 260 |
| 2010-2019 | 224 |
| 2020-2029 | 95 |
Famous people named Nana
- Nana Akufo-Addo: President, Politician
Fun facts
- In Ghana and Akan tradition, Nana is an official title bestowed upon traditional leaders and elders regardless of gender.
- While used as a masculine name in West Africa, Nana is recognized globally across various cultures as both a title and a given name.