The name Keyanna is a modern English name derived from the name Keyana, which itself has origins in the African language of Kiswahili. Kiswahili is a Bantu language spoken primarily in East Africa, particularly in countries like Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.

Keyana is a feminine name that means "small and beautiful" or "little one" in Kiswahili. The name is a diminutive form of the word "keya," which means "small" or "little." The addition of the suffix "-na" gives the name a more endearing and affectionate tone.

While the name Keyana has been in use for centuries among various Bantu communities in East Africa, the variant spelling Keyanna is a more recent development. It likely emerged as a creative spelling variation in English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States, during the late 20th century.

The earliest recorded use of the name Keyanna can be traced back to the late 1970s and early 1980s in the United States. However, there are no significant historical references or notable individuals bearing this particular spelling from earlier periods.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Keyanna is Keyanna Middleton, an American singer and actress born in 1967. Another early bearer of the name is Keyanna Vaughters, an American lawyer and politician born in 1975.

Other notable individuals with the first name Keyanna include:

1. Keyanna Jackson (born 1988), an American professional basketball player.
2. Keyanna Khatiblou (born 1992), a French professional tennis player.
3. Keyanna Cotton (born 1993), an American track and field athlete specializing in sprinting events.
4. Keyanna Steinauer (born 1994), a Canadian soccer player.
5. Keyanna Sawyer (born 2001), an American artistic gymnast.

While the name Keyanna has gained popularity in recent decades, particularly in the United States, it remains a relatively uncommon name with roots tracing back to the Kiswahili language and Bantu cultures of East Africa.