Charlotte Girl
SHAHR-luht
“free man” · French
#2
Liana
GirlFrench, Latin· “uncertain; possibly short for Juliana”
- Meaning
- uncertain; possibly short for Juliana (origin disputed)
- Origin
- French, Latin
- Pronunciation
- lee-AH-nuh
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #386
- US babies 2025
- 801
- Best rank
- #386 (2025)
- Peak year
- 2025
Meaning and origin of Liana
Liana is often said to mean “uncertain; possibly short for Juliana”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to French and Latin roots.
The origin of Liana is not certain. It is often explained as a short form of names such as Juliana, Eliana and Liliana, which have their own different roots. It also matches the English word liana, borrowed from French liane, for the long climbing vines of tropical forests, a connection many parents enjoy even though it may not be the name's original source. Liana is used in many countries, including Italy, the English-speaking world and Latin America. It sounds graceful and airy, with the stress on the middle syllable. Lia and Ana are possible nicknames.
Other spellings with the same sound: Lianna.
Popularity over time
Liana first appears in US Social Security records in 1929. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 46 different years, starting in 1977. It is at its all-time high right now: 2025 brought both its best national rank, #386, and its highest count, 801 babies. Use has grown 34% in ten years.
Its national rank moved from #1,939 in 1950, #999 in 1980, #810 in 2000, #526 in 2010, and #386 in 2025. Of the 20,666 US girls named Liana since records began, 29% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 4,331 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Blaire, Ivory, Kaliyah, Astrid, and Melany.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Liana ranked highest in Hawaii, New York, and New Jersey.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | #194 | 5 |
| New York | #200 | 84 |
| New Jersey | #209 | 40 |
| Connecticut | #213 | 16 |
| California | #240 | 138 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Liana is usually pronounced lee-AH-nuh, with three syllables. It has five letters, starts with L and ends in “-na”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Lianna.
Middle names for Liana
A few middle names that flow with Liana: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Liana
Similar names
Celina Girl
suh-LEE-nuh
“uncertain; possibly heavenly” · Latin
#829
Julianna Girl
joo-lee-AN-uh
“from Julius, possibly 'youthful'” · Latin
#398
Adrianna Girl
ay-dree-AN-uh
“from Hadria” · Latin
#872
Serena Girl
suh-REE-nuh
“calm, serene” · Latin
#325
Helena Girl
HEH-luh-nuh
“uncertain; possibly torch or light” · Greek
#363
Lilianna Girl
lil-ee-AH-nuh
“lily” · Latin
#891
Vienna Girl
vee-EH-nuh
“the capital of Austria” · Latin
#434
Solana Girl
soh-LAH-nuh
“sunshine” · Spanish
#495
Eliana Girl
eh-lee-AH-nuh
“my God has answered” · Hebrew
#10
Diana Girl
dy-AN-uh
“divine” · Latin
#244
Juliette Girl
joo-lee-ET
“youthful” · French
#110
Joanna Girl
joh-AN-uh
“God is gracious” · Latin
#306
Lists that include Liana
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Liana mean?
Liana is often said to mean “uncertain; possibly short for Juliana”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to French and Latin roots.
What is the origin of the name Liana?
Liana has French and Latin roots. The origin of Liana is not certain.
Is Liana a popular name?
Yes. Liana ranked #386 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Liana a boy or girl name?
Liana is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Liana?
Liana is usually pronounced lee-AH-nuh. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings