Svetlana is a female given name of Slavic origin, specifically from Russia and other Slavic countries. The name comes from the word "svet" which means "light", and "lana" which means "feminine form". Therefore, Svetlana translates to "Radiant" or "Shining One".
The name Svetlana has a rich history in Slavic cultures. It was particularly popular during the medieval period in Eastern Europe where it was often used as an affectionate nickname for women who were believed to embody radiance and beauty.
In Russian culture, Svetlana is also associated with the story of Princess Světlana, a legendary figure who played a significant role in Czech mythology and folklore. According to these tales, she was the daughter of the mythical King Libuše, known for her wisdom and fairness.
Today, Svetlana continues to be popular among Slavic communities worldwide, carrying with it the heritage of light, radiance, and beauty that has been associated with it throughout history.
The name Svetlana has seen a fluctuating trend of popularity over the years in the United States, with a total of 887 babies being named Svetlana between 1967 and 2023.
In the early years recorded, from 1967 to 1979, the number of births each year ranged from a low of 5 in 1972 and 1977 to a high of 11 in 1968. The name's popularity began to increase significantly in the early 1990s, with more than 10 Svetlanas born each year between 1992 and 1995.
The years 1995 and 1996 saw a peak in popularity for the name Svetlana, with 21 births each year. This trend continued through the late 1990s and early 2000s, with the highest number of births occurring in 2002, at 31.
After 2005, the popularity of the name Svetlana began to decline again, although it remained relatively consistent, with an average of around 20 births per year. The most recent data shows that the name's popularity has stabilized, with between 20 and 27 births each year from 2019 to 2023.
Despite fluctuations in popularity over time, Svetlana remains a unique and distinctive name choice for parents in the United States.