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

Popularity of Rana by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Rana is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 96% of people named Rana being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 48 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Rana.

The history of the first name Rana

The name Rana is derived from the Sanskrit word "rana," which means "battle" or "war." It has its origins in ancient India and was initially used as a title or honorific for warriors and kings. The name gained popularity during the medieval period, particularly among the Rajput clans in northern India.

In Hindu mythology, Rana is associated with the deity Kartikeya, the god of war and the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The name is also mentioned in the ancient Indian epic, the Mahabharata, where it refers to a battle or a warrior. This connection to the warrior tradition has contributed to the name's enduring popularity in the region.

The earliest recorded instance of the name Rana dates back to the 8th century CE, when it was used by the Pratihara dynasty rulers in present-day Rajasthan, India. One notable figure was Rana Khumba, the ruler of the Mewar kingdom in the 15th century, who is renowned for his architectural contributions, including the construction of the famous Kumbhalgarh Fort.

Throughout history, several prominent individuals have borne the name Rana. One of the most famous is Rana Pratap Singh (1540-1597), the legendary Rajput ruler of Mewar who fiercely resisted the Mughal Empire's attempts to conquer his kingdom. His bravery and defiance against the powerful Mughal forces have made him an iconic figure in Indian history.

Another notable figure is Rana Sanga (1484-1528), the Rana of Mewar and the leader of the Rajput confederacy. He fought against the Mughal ruler Babur in the Battle of Khanua in 1527, which resulted in a Mughal victory but showcased the valor of the Rajput warriors.

In more recent times, Rana Sanaullah Khan (born 1962) is a prominent Pakistani politician and currently serves as the Interior Minister of Pakistan. Rana Liaquat Ali Khan (1895-1951) was the first Prime Minister of Pakistan and is considered a founding father of the nation.

The name Rana has also been popular in other cultures, such as the Nepali and Bengali communities, where it is associated with nobility and leadership qualities.

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

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

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