Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Rana
GirlArabic, Sanskrit· “eye-catching (Arabic); prince (Sanskrit)”
- Meaning
- eye-catching (Arabic); prince (Sanskrit)
- Origin
- Arabic, Sanskrit
- Pronunciation
- RAH-nuh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #3,203
- US babies 2025
- 50
- Best rank
- #1,032 (1971)
- Peak year
- 1971
Meaning and origin of Rana
Rana is an Arabic and Sanskrit name that is usually said to mean “eye-catching (Arabic); prince (Sanskrit)”.
Rana has separate roots in two languages. In Arabic it is associated with gazing at something beautiful or eye-catching, and it is used for girls across the Arab world. In South Asia, Rana is a title and surname meaning prince or ruler, historically borne by Rajput rulers and by the Rana prime ministers of Nepal. The pronunciation is RAH-nuh in both traditions. Because the two meanings are unrelated, families may choose the name for either heritage. It is short, easy to spell and familiar in many countries, and it sits comfortably beside names such as Lana, Rania or Nora.
Popularity over time
Rana first appears in US Social Security records in 1942. It has never ranked in the national top 1,000, which keeps it genuinely uncommon. Its best national rank was #1,032 in 1971, the same year it reached its highest count of 120 babies. In 2025, 50 babies were named Rana, and it ranked #3,203 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #3,375 in 1950, #1,456 in 1980, #2,395 in 2000, #3,295 in 2010, and #3,203 in 2025. Of the 4,553 US girls named Rana since records began, 23% were born in the 1970s, its biggest decade. The 1980s come next, with 745 babies. Since 2010, 833 more have been named Rana.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Tarra, Nicol, Jenniffer, Kimberely, and Lasonya.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Rana ranked highest in Virginia, Michigan, and California.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia | #1332 | 5 |
| Michigan | #1367 | 5 |
| California | #1820 | 12 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 88% of US babies named Rana over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
Rana is usually pronounced RAH-nuh, with two syllables. It has four letters, starts with R and ends in “-na”.
Middle names for Rana
A few middle names that flow with Rana: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Rana
Similar names
Ayana Girl
eye-YAH-nuh
“uncertain; several possible sources” · Amharic
#1,161
Aarna Girl
AR-nuh
Sanskrit
#1,540
Sana Girl
SAH-nuh
“radiance, brilliance” · Arabic
#1,434
Zaina Girl
ZAY-nuh
“beautiful; variant of Zayna” · Arabic
#1,316
Krishna Unisex
KRIHSH-nuh
“black, dark” · Sanskrit
#2,120
Liyana Girl
lee-YAH-nuh
“softness, tenderness” · Arabic
#1,059
Zayna Girl
ZAY-nuh
“beautiful, adorned” · Arabic
#1,499
Senna Girl
SEN-uh
“possibly the senna plant, or Arabic brilliance” · Arabic
#1,757
Meena Girl
MEE-nuh
“precious stone, or fish” · Sanskrit
#3,749
Muna Girl
MOO-nuh
“wishes, desires” · Arabic
#3,436
Breanna Girl
bree-AN-uh
“feminine form of Brian” · Irish
#2,548
Reena Girl
REE-nuh
“meaning varies by language; uncertain” · Hebrew
#6,068
Lists that include Rana
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Rana mean?
Rana is an Arabic and Sanskrit name that is usually said to mean “eye-catching (Arabic); prince (Sanskrit)”.
What is the origin of the name Rana?
Rana has Arabic and Sanskrit roots. Rana has separate roots in two languages.
Is Rana a popular name?
Not especially. Rana ranked #3,203 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Rana a boy or girl name?
Rana is mainly a girl's name. About 88% of US babies named Rana over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
How do you pronounce Rana?
Rana is usually pronounced RAH-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