Luana, a name resonating with warmth and gentle radiance, holds a special charm for parents seeking a unique and meaningful name for their baby girl. This name evokes images of sun-kissed beaches and the serene glow of the moon. But how popular is Luana, and what other names share its captivating appeal? Let’s delve into the world of Luana to uncover its history, popularity trends, and similar-sounding alternatives.
The Meaning and Origin of Luana
While the exact origin of Luana is debated, it’s generally accepted to have strong ties to Polynesian cultures, particularly Hawaiian. In Hawaiian, "Luana" translates to "enjoyment," "contentment," or "relaxation." This meaning perfectly encapsulates the peaceful and idyllic imagery associated with the islands. Some sources also connect Luana to Germanic roots, where it’s considered a short form of Louise or Luise, meaning "famous warrior." A potential Hebrew origin also exists, linking it to meanings related to the moon or whiteness. This multi-faceted origin adds to the name’s global appeal and depth.
Luana Name Popularity: A Historical Perspective
To understand the name’s journey through time, let’s examine its popularity in the United States based on Social Security Administration (SSA) data. The data shows that Luana’s presence has been fluctuating throughout the decades.
| Year | Rank | # Births | % Births |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1910-1917 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1918 | 1,308 | 9 | 0.0008% |
| 1919-1922 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1923 | 1,293 | 11 | 0.001% |
| 1924 | 1,514 | 6 | 0.0005% |
| 1925 | 1,418 | 8 | 0.0007% |
| 1926 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1927 | 1,321 | 11 | 0.001% |
| 1928 | 1,550 | 5 | 0.0005% |
| 1929 | 1,302 | 9 | 0.0009% |
| 1930 | 1,294 | 9 | 0.0009% |
| 1931 | 1,432 | 6 | 0.0006% |
| 1932 | 1,296 | 8 | 0.0008% |
| 1933 | 1,426 | 6 | 0.0006% |
| 1934 | 1,131 | 12 | 0.0012% |
| 1935 | 1,107 | 13 | 0.0013% |
| 1936-1937 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1938 | 1,334 | 7 | 0.0007% |
| 1939 | 1,174 | 12 | 0.0012% |
| 1940 | 1,340 | 7 | 0.0007% |
| 1941 | 1,147 | 14 | 0.0012% |
| 1942 | 1,199 | 15 | 0.0012% |
| 1943 | 884 | 38 | 0.0029% |
| 1944 | 1,034 | 23 | 0.0019% |
| 1945 | 1,228 | 13 | 0.0011% |
| 1946 | 1,008 | 32 | 0.0022% |
| 1947 | 660 | 113 | 0.0068% |
| 1948 | 755 | 80 | 0.005% |
| 1949 | 835 | 67 | 0.0042% |
| 1950 | 1,062 | 35 | 0.0022% |
| 1951 | 1,273 | 20 | 0.0012% |
| 1952 | 1,786 | 6 | 0.0003% |
| 1953 | 1,719 | 7 | 0.0004% |
| 1954 | 1,208 | 28 | 0.0015% |
| 1955 | 1,256 | 26 | 0.0014% |
| 1956 | 1,488 | 17 | 0.0009% |
| 1957 | 1,301 | 28 | 0.0015% |
| 1958 | 1,180 | 38 | 0.002% |
| 1959 | 1,308 | 27 | 0.0014% |
| 1960 | 1,151 | 44 | 0.0023% |
| 1961 | 1,084 | 57 | 0.003% |
| 1962 | 1,067 | 56 | 0.0031% |
| 1963 | 1,522 | 19 | 0.0011% |
| 1964 | 1,350 | 29 | 0.0016% |
| 1965 | 1,620 | 15 | 0.0009% |
| 1966 | 1,755 | 12 | 0.0008% |
| 1967 | 1,650 | 15 | 0.001% |
| 1968 | 2,006 | 8 | 0.0005% |
| 1969 | 2,078 | 8 | 0.0005% |
| 1970 | 1,856 | 14 | 0.0009% |
| 1971 | 2,192 | 7 | 0.0005% |
| 1972 | 1,637 | 19 | 0.0014% |
| 1973 | 2,081 | 9 | 0.0007% |
| 1974 | 1,927 | 12 | 0.0009% |
| 1975 | 2,271 | 7 | 0.0005% |
| 1976 | 1,843 | 16 | 0.0012% |
| 1977 | 2,517 | 6 | 0.0004% |
| 1978 | 1,933 | 15 | 0.0011% |
| 1979 | 2,277 | 11 | 0.0008% |
| 1980 | 2,606 | 7 | 0.0005% |
| 1981 | 2,172 | 14 | 0.001% |
| 1982 | 2,151 | 14 | 0.0009% |
| 1983 | 3,135 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 1984 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1985 | 2,824 | 6 | 0.0004% |
| 1986 | 3,162 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 1987 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1988 | 3,541 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 1989 | 2,629 | 12 | 0.0007% |
| 1990 | 3,832 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 1991 | 3,639 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 1992 | 3,151 | 7 | 0.0004% |
| 1993-1994 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1995 | 3,121 | 7 | 0.0005% |
| 1996 | 3,815 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 1997 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 1998 | 3,632 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 1999 | — | 0 | 0% |
| 2000 | 3,153 | 8 | 0.0005% |
| 2001 | 3,969 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 2002 | 2,408 | 21 | 0.0014% |
| 2003 | 2,937 | 11 | 0.0007% |
| 2004 | 2,214 | 29 | 0.0019% |
| 2005 | 2,827 | 13 | 0.0009% |
| 2006 | 2,478 | 23 | 0.0015% |
| 2007 | 2,578 | 21 | 0.0013% |
| 2008 | 2,538 | 20 | 0.0013% |
| 2009 | 2,540 | 20 | 0.0013% |
| 2010 | 2,403 | 22 | 0.0015% |
| 2011 | 2,472 | 20 | 0.0014% |
| 2012 | 2,938 | 11 | 0.0008% |
| 2013 | 2,355 | 21 | 0.0015% |
| 2014 | 2,229 | 25 | 0.0017% |
| 2015 | 2,565 | 16 | 0.0011% |
| 2016 | 2,518 | 16 | 0.0011% |
| 2017 | 1,918 | 36 | 0.0026% |
| 2018 | 1,899 | 36 | 0.0026% |
| 2019 | 1,700 | 46 | 0.0034% |
| 2020 | 2,078 | 42 | 0.0033% |
| 2021 | 1,856 | 52 | 0.0043% |
| 2022 | 1,671 | 75 | 0.0057% |
| 2023 | 1,763 | 66 | 0.0051% |
As the table illustrates, Luana experienced periods of absence from the top names and has recently been increasing in popularity. This indicates a renewed appreciation for this beautiful and unique name. In 2023, 66 babies were named Luana, representing 0.0051% of total female births.
Variations and Similar Names
If you’re drawn to the sound and feel of Luana but desire a slight variation, several options exist:
- Lewanna: A shining, white name with Hebrew origins and moon-related symbolism.
- Lou-Ann, Louann, Louanna, Louanne: These variations retain the "Lou" sound while offering a slightly different cadence. They’re often associated with Polynesian origins and the meaning of "enjoyment."
- Luanda, Luane, Luann, Luanna, Luannah, Luanne, Luannie, Luwana: These are all similar variations, primarily enjoying the Polynesian "enjoyment" meaning.
Names that share a similar sound to Luana include:
- Lana: A simple and elegant name of English origin, meaning "little rock."
- Leana: A French name meaning "to twine around," offering a delicate and romantic feel.
- Liana: Similar to Leana, Liana also means "to twine around" and carries a French charm.
- Luna: A Latin name meaning "the moon," perfect for parents captivated by celestial beauty.
Choosing Luana: A Name Filled with Joy
Ultimately, choosing a name is a deeply personal decision. Luana, with its Polynesian warmth, its potential connection to the moon, and its beautiful meaning of "enjoyment," presents a compelling option for parents seeking a name that is both unique and meaningful. Its gentle sound and rich history make it a name that will undoubtedly bring joy to both the child and their family.