Ayanna

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Ayanna

Gender: Feminine
Language: English
Etymology and History:
Ayanna is a name that is not listed in any of our print sources. Most internet sources claim it is a “Native American” name meaning “Eternal Blossom,” but this seems unlikely. There are thousands of Native American tribes and thousands of Native American languages and cultures.

Other sources list Ayanna as an Ethiopian or Swahili name meaning “Beautiful Flower.” This seems more likely, if only because the similar name Ayanna first appears on the lists in the 1970s, a time when many names of African origin were enthusiastically embraced by the African-American community.

Ayana also pops up on a few lists of Japanese names, often with the meaning “Colorful” listed.

Whatever its origin, Ayana and Ayanna are now fairly common names. This is probably at least partially due to their phonetic similarities to the popular name Anna.

Pronunciation: ay-ann-ah.

Alternates: Ayana, Aiyana.

Popularity:
Percentage from the 1990 U.S. Census:
0.002 % named Ayana
0.002 % named Ayanna

Popularity of Ayanna:
Popularity (for newborns):
In the United States...
1900-1970: N/A
1970-1980: 878th most popular.
1980-1990: N/A
1991: N/A
1992: 972nd most popular.
1993: 902nd most popular.
1994: 694th most popular.
1995: 684th most popular.
1996: 678th most popular.
1997: 498th most popular.
1998: 462nd most popular.
1999: 423rd most popular.
2000: 432nd most popular.
2001: 402nd most popular.
2002: 470th most popular.
2003: 364th most popular.

Popularity of Ayana:
Popularity (for newborns):
In the United States...
1900-1990: N/A
1990: N/A
1991: 960th most popular.
1992: 937th most popular.
1993: 793rd most popular.
1994: 762nd most popular.
1995: 741st most popular.
1996: 827th most popular.
1997: 843rd most popular.
1998: 731st most popular.
1999: 751st most popular.
2000: 699th most popular.
2001: 657th most popular.
2002: 687th most popular.
2003: 713th most popular.