Zanna is a unique and captivating name of Italian origin. Derived from the Italian word "zanna," which means tusk or fang, this moniker holds a powerful and distinctive meaning. Traditionally given to both boys and girls, Zanna is not a common name, making it a standout choice for parents seeking something unusual yet meaningful.
The history of the name Zanna is deeply rooted in Italian culture and folklore. In Italy, "zanna" refers to the tusks or fangs of wild animals such as boars, bears, and wolves. These creatures have long been symbols of strength, courage, and wilderness in Italian mythology. Therefore, giving a child the name Zanna signifies wishing them immense power, bravery, and untamed spirit.
In addition to its connection with wildlife, the name Zanna also has ties to the world of art and literature. The famous Italian painter Giotto di Bondone created a series of frescos in the Scrovegni Chapel in Padua, Italy, which depicted scenes from the life of the Virgin Mary. One of these scenes, "The Adoration of the Magi," features a figure named Zanna among the wise men paying homage to Baby Jesus.
Despite its Italian roots and rich history, Zanna is not just limited to Italian families. Today, people of various backgrounds and nationalities are drawn to this unique name for their children. While it remains relatively rare, Zanna's distinctive sound and powerful meaning continue to captivate parents seeking a special name for their little ones.
In conclusion, the name Zanna offers a compelling blend of strength, uniqueness, and historical significance. With its Italian origins and ties to both wildlife and art, this moniker is sure to make a lasting impression on those who bear it. Whether you're looking for an unusual yet meaningful name or simply appreciate its rich history, Zanna is a worthy choice for your child's name.
The name Zanna has a fascinating history of popularity in the United States over the past century. The first recorded birth with the name Zanna occurred in 1920, with five babies being given this unique name that year. This number remained steady for several years, with another five births occurring in 1928 and again in both 1940 and 1944.
However, starting from the late 1940s, we begin to see a gradual increase in the number of babies named Zanna. In 1951, seven girls were given this name, followed by six births each year until 1959. This trend continued into the 1960s and 1970s, with peaks occurring in certain years such as 1983 (with five births), 1987 (seven births), and notably, 1988 and 1989 where eleven babies were named Zanna each year.
The 1990s saw a further increase in popularity for the name Zanna. The highest number of births recorded during this decade was in 1994, with twenty-five newborn girls sharing this distinctive name. This was followed by years with double-digit figures, including 1997 (eleven births) and 1998 (twelve births).
Entering the new millennium, Zanna maintained its popularity among parents. The years between 2002 to 2008 saw a steady increase in the number of births, culminating with twenty-three girls being named Zanna in both 2007 and 2008.
Since then, the name Zanna has continued to be favored by many parents. Between 2014 and 2023, we have seen fluctuations in popularity, with a high of twenty-eight births in 2014 and fourteen births in 2023 being recorded.
In total, over the past century, there have been 615 babies born in the United States named Zanna. This demonstrates that while it may not be one of the most popular names, Zanna has consistently maintained a presence among baby name choices for parents throughout the decades.