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Yana Girl

Popularity: #844 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: YAH-nah /ˈjɑː.nə/

Origin: Slavic; Hebrew

Meaning: Slavic: 'gracious'; Hebrew: 'God is gracious'

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Yana has its roots in multiple linguistic traditions, primarily deriving from the Hebrew name "Yana" or "Yannah," which is often interpreted as a variant of "Yohanna," meaning "God is gracious." This Hebrew form made its way into Greek as "Ioanna" and subsequently into Latin as "Iohanna." The name was later adopted into various languages, including Slavic languages, where it is commonly used as a feminine form. In Slavic contexts, Yana can also be associated with the word "yana," meaning "to be" or "to exist," which adds a layer of existential significance to the name.

Historically, the name Yana has been linked to several notable figures and events. In the Christian tradition, variations of the name have been borne by saints, including Saint Joanna, a follower of Jesus mentioned in the New Testament, who played a significant role in early Christianity.

The name's presence in religious texts, such as the King James Bible, which was published in 1611, helped to solidify its usage in Christian communities. Over the centuries, Yana has appeared in various forms across different cultures, reflecting the name's adaptability and enduring appeal.

Culturally, Yana has been embraced in various traditions, often symbolizing grace and favor. In Slavic folklore, names derived from the root "Yana" may be associated with themes of nature and femininity, resonating with the earth and nurturing qualities.

The name has also been linked to the celebration of life and renewal, particularly in springtime festivals. Additionally, diminutive forms such as "Yanka" have emerged in some cultures, further enriching the name's heritage.

Overall, Yana embodies a rich tapestry of linguistic and cultural significance, reflecting both historical depth and symbolic resonance.

Famous people named Yana

Yana Klochkova is a swimmer best known for winning multiple Olympic gold medals and World Championships in the individual medley and butterfly events.
Yana Gupta is a model and actress best known for her work in Bollywood films and as a television personality.
Yana Tsvetkov is a professional dancer best known for her performances in competitive dance events and television shows.

Fictional characters named Yana

Yana is a fictional character from the video game series Fire Emblem. She is a powerful sorceress who plays a significant role in the story of Fire Emblem: Three Houses.

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U.S. Historical Usage

The name Yana was first seen in the United States in 1955. Yana has ranked as high as #1254 nationally, which occurred in 2024, and has been most popular in California, Washington, New York, Texas, and Florida. In the past 5 years the name Yana has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Yana (2024)

State Births Share
CA 19
30%
NY 13
20%
FL 11
17%
MD 6
9%
OH 5
8%
TX 5
8%
WA 5
8%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
19557
195637
195714
19588
19595
19605
19617
19626
19635
19647
19655
19667
19689
196910
197011
19718
197216
197313
197414
197512
197612
197722
197829
197921
198012
198113
198213
198312
198414
198512
198617
19876
198810
19899
199011
199111
199212
19937
199415
199516
199628
199719
199829
199934
200030
200141
200249
200361
200459
200577
200688
200795
200874
200994
201096
201169
201272
201391
201490
2015101
201689
201788
201887
201986
202090
202164
2022104
2023104
2024106