Luana
Fact sheet
- Name
- Luana
- Gender
- Girl name
- Syllables
- 2
The first name Luana, used for girls, has various origins and meanings. It gained greater recognition, especially in the English-speaking world, particularly in the USA, through the Polynesian heroine of the 1932 film 'Bird of Paradise', which is also known by the title 'Luana'.
What does the name Luana mean?
The first name Luana has numerous origins and meanings. In the English-speaking world, especially in the USA, it became popular through the Polynesian heroine of the film 'Bird of Paradise' from 1932. The name derives from the Hawaiian word 'luana', which means 'leisure, ease, cheerfulness, enjoyment'. In this sense, Luana is often interpreted as 'the cheerful one'. In Albania and Kosovo, Luana (also Luàna) is the feminine form of the name Luan, which means 'the lioness'. Sometimes, Luana is also considered an alternative spelling of the English name Louanna, which is a combination of Lou/Louisa ('the famous warrior') and Anna ('the graceful one'). The name is particularly popular in Italy and Portugal, but is also common in German and English-speaking areas. Since the turn of the millennium, Luana has developed into a highly sought-after girl's name in Germany. Notable bearers of the name include the Kosovar actress Luàna Bajrami and the German actresses Luana Bellinghausen and Luana Knöll.
Where does the name Luana come from?
The name Luana has both Albanian and Hawaiian roots and means 'the cheerful one' or 'the lioness'. The etymology consists of the Hawaiian 'luana', which means 'happy, content, cheerful, to be at leisure, enjoyment, ease, cheerfulness', and the Albanian 'luan', which means 'lion'. The name is used in several languages, including Albanian, American English, Italian, Kosovar, Latin American, and Portuguese.
How do you pronounce Luana?
The pronunciation of Luana is melodic and consists of three to four syllables. In German, the name is usually pronounced as 'Lu-a-na' [luˈaːna], with the emphasis on the middle syllable. The open vowel sequence gives the name a broad sound. Luana sounds international and appealing – modern, friendly, and present.
Popularity
Luana is one of the very popular first names in Germany. Currently, it ranks 118th on the list of the most common female baby names. Its best ranking was achieved in 2003 with 94th place. In the last ten years, Luana has been given as a first name about 6,100 times, placing it 116th in the ten-year statistics. From 2010 to 2024, it ranks 128th.
Nicknames & pet names
Ana / Ani / Lana / Lanni / Lolly / Lou / Lu / Lua / Lualina / Luananas / Luani / Luaninha / Lui / Lule / Luli / Lulipop / Lulle / Lullerin / Lulles / Lulli / Lulu / Lulä / Luna / Lunchen / Luni / Luäna / Nana / Nani
Similar first names
Famous people
- Luana Bellinghausen (actress)
- Luana DeVol (American opera singer)
- Luana Devol (American opera singer)
- Luana Lira (diver from Brazil)
- Luana Patten (American actress)
- Luana Piovani (model, actress)
- Luana Vicente (Brazilian badminton player)
- Luana von Oranien Nassau (Emma Luana Ninette Sophie is the first daughter of Prince Johan Friso of Orange-Nassau and Princess Mabel)
Frequently asked questions about the name Luana
What does the name Luana mean?
The name Luana has both Hawaiian and Albanian roots and is often interpreted as 'the cheerful one' or 'the lioness'.
In which countries is the name Luana common?
Luana is used in several languages, including Albanian, American English, Italian, Kosovar, Latin American, and Portuguese. It is particularly popular in Italy and Portugal.
What nicknames are there for Luana?
There are a variety of nicknames for Luana, including Ana, Ani, Lana, Luli, Lulu, and Nana. These variations provide lovely alternatives for everyday use.
How is Luana pronounced?
Luana is generally pronounced as 'Lu-ah-na'. The emphasis is on the second syllable, which highlights the musical sound of the name.