Find out how popular the first name Channa has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Channa by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Channa is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 99% of people named Channa being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 6 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Channa.

The history of the first name Channa

The name Channa is believed to have its origins in ancient India, derived from the Sanskrit word "Channa," which means "moon" or "pleasing." This name has been in use since ancient times and has a rich cultural and historical significance.

In Hindu mythology, Channa is mentioned as the name of Arjuna's charioteer during the epic Mahabharata war. Channa played a crucial role in guiding Arjuna's chariot and providing him with strategic advice on the battlefield. This association with a heroic figure in one of the most revered Hindu scriptures has added to the name's significance and popularity.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Channa is found in the ancient Buddhist text, the Tripitaka, where it is mentioned as the name of a disciple of the Buddha. This connection to Buddhism further enriches the cultural and religious roots of the name.

Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Channa. One of the most famous was Channa Lal (1775-1842), an Indian scholar and poet who made significant contributions to the Punjabi language and literature. His works, particularly the epic poem "Channa di Vaar," have become literary classics.

Another prominent figure was Channa Reddy (1924-2013), an Indian politician and social activist who played a crucial role in the Telangana statehood movement. He served as the first Chief Minister of the newly formed state of Telangana in 2014.

In the field of sports, Channa Bambaiya (1921-2001) was an Indian cricketer who represented the Indian national team in the 1940s and 1950s. He was known for his skillful batting and played a significant role in the development of Indian cricket during its early years.

Channa Malhotra (born 1935) is another notable figure, an Indian classical dancer and choreographer who has made significant contributions to the preservation and promotion of Kathak, one of the major classical dance forms of India.

Lastly, Channa Wickremesekera (1896-1986) was a Sri Lankan politician and diplomat who served as the first Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the United Nations. He played a crucial role in shaping the country's foreign policy during its early years of independence.

These are just a few examples of the many notable individuals who have borne the name Channa throughout history, highlighting its rich cultural and historical significance across various fields and regions.

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 Channa was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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