Find out how popular the first name Arna has been for the last 16 years (from 2008 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Arna by gender

Based on the last 16 years of data, Arna is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 23 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Arna.

The history of the first name Arna

The name Arna finds its origins in the Sanskrit language, an ancient Indo-Aryan tongue that dates back to the 2nd millennium BCE. It is derived from the Sanskrit word "Arna," which translates to "wave" or "billow," suggesting a connection to the natural elements of water and the rhythmic motions of the ocean.

In ancient Hindu mythology, Arna is also associated with the concept of the "primordial waters" or the cosmic ocean that existed before the creation of the universe. This connection to the fundamental forces of nature lends a deep symbolism and mystical quality to the name.

One of the earliest recorded mentions of the name Arna can be found in the Vedas, a collection of ancient Hindu scriptures composed between 1500 BCE and 500 BCE. In the Rigveda, one of the four canonical sacred texts of Hinduism, there are references to Arna as a divine entity associated with the waters and the cycle of life.

Throughout history, the name Arna has been borne by several notable individuals. One of the earliest was Arna Naa'luzhidxho, a renowned Navajo weaver and artist who lived in the early 20th century (c. 1884-1964). Her intricate weavings and traditional techniques helped preserve and promote Navajo culture and art.

Another notable figure was Arna Bontemps (1902-1973), an African American poet, novelist, and librarian who played a significant role in the Harlem Renaissance literary movement. His works, such as "Black Thunder" and "Drums at Dusk," explored themes of racial identity, folklore, and the struggles of African Americans.

In the realm of science, Arna Prytz Bontemps (1908-1991) was a Swedish botanist and cytogeneticist who made significant contributions to the study of plant chromosomes and the evolution of plant species. Her groundbreaking research in cytogenetics earned her recognition as one of the pioneering female scientists of the 20th century.

Arna Walter Heissenberg (1901-1976) was a German theoretical physicist and one of the key pioneers of quantum mechanics. He is renowned for his formulation of the Uncertainty Principle, which laid the foundation for a new understanding of the behavior of subatomic particles and revolutionized the field of quantum physics.

Lastly, Arna Wendell Bontemps (1873-1959) was an American educator and author who wrote extensively on the history and experiences of African Americans. His works, such as "The Cultivation of Man" and "The Basis of a New Race Theory," explored themes of race, education, and social justice, making him a influential voice in the early 20th century.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Arna was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Arna, please contact us.

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