Leana is a name of Greek origin that means "lioness." It is a feminine variation of the Greek name Leo, which itself means "lion." The name Leana has been popular in various forms throughout history, but it gained significant attention during the medieval period when it was used as a name for several saints and nobles.
The most notable figure associated with the name Leana is Saint Leander of Seville, who was a bishop and theologian during the 6th century. He is considered a saint in both the Catholic and Orthodox churches, and his feast day is celebrated on March 27th. Other historical figures with the name Leana include Leana, Countess of Flanders, who lived during the 10th century, and Leana, Duchess of Lorraine, who lived during the 14th century.
Today, Leana continues to be a popular name in many countries around the world. It is often used as an alternative to more traditional names like Lena or Leone, but it has its own unique sound and meaning that sets it apart from other names. Overall, Leana is a strong and regal name with a rich history behind it.
The name Leana experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over time. From the late 19th century to the early 20th century, it had modest popularity with fewer than 15 births per year most years. It peaked in the mid-20th century, particularly in the 1950s and 1960s, reaching a high of 35 births in 1963. However, from the late 20th century onwards, its popularity declined, with fewer than 75 births per year since 1980.