Zanna is an uncommon yet captivating female given name of uncertain origin and meaning. It first gained recognition during the late 20th century, appearing sporadically in various countries, particularly in Europe and North America. The name Zanna is often associated with its variant spellings like Zanah and Zhana, which also possess an exotic charm. However, unlike these variants, Zanna has maintained a distinct identity, remaining rare yet notable among modern names. Its pronunciation typically follows the pattern of /ˈzænə/, where the 'Z' sound is pronounced as in 'zoo', followed by a short 'a' as in 'cat', and ending with a schwa (the relaxed 'uh' sound). The name Zanna holds a unique appeal, perhaps due to its unfamiliarity, which can make it an attractive choice for parents seeking a distinctive moniker for their child.
The name Zanna appears to have experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the years, with no clear trend. From a peak of 25 births in 1994, it steadily declined until reaching a low of 5 births in 1992. However, since then, there has been a steady increase, culminating in recent peaks of 28 births in 2014 and 23 births in 2016. The total number of births recorded for the name Zanna is 615 over the period from 1920 to 2023.