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Nana

Girl name · 3 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Nana: 3 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 3 births in 2024.

Nana is a name with rich, diverse origins. In Scottish and English contexts, it most commonly appears as a diminutive of Anna or Hannah, meaning "grace" or "favour" from the Hebrew root *channah*. However, it also stands independently in West Africa, particularly among the Akan people of Ghana, where it means "king" or "chief" and is often given to a firstborn son. In Japan, Nana is a popular feminine name meaning "seven." Famous bearers include the celebrated Ghanaian statesman Nana Akufo-Addo, who served as President, and the Scottish actress Nana Bryant, known for her stage work. The name shares its root with the biblical Hannah, and places like St. Ann's in Scotland echo this connection. A charming note: Nana is also a universal term for grandmother in many languages, giving it a warm, familial feel.