Nana
Nana is a Muslim girl name meaning “Respected elder lady, grandmother”.
| Meaning | Respected elder lady, grandmother |
|---|---|
| Gender | Girl |
| Origin | Hausa (honorific) |
| Pronunciation | NAH-nah |
| Muslim name? | Used by Muslims |
Meaning and origin of Nana
Nana is a Hausa honorific for a respected elder woman, especially a grandmother, and it is given to girls named after one. In northern Nigeria it is closely associated with Nana Asmaʾu (1793–1864), the scholar, poet and teacher who was a daughter of Shehu Usman dan Fodio. The same word is used independently in Ghana and elsewhere, so not every Nana has this Muslim background.
Is Nana a Muslim name?
Nana is widely used by Muslim Hausa families, often in honour of the scholar Nana Asmaʾu, but it is a Hausa honorific rather than an Arabic name.
Where is the name Nana used?
Common in northern Nigeria and Niger; the same name is also used in Ghana with a different background.
Gifts with the name Nana
- Nana name necklaces & bracelets (Amazon)
- Personalised Nana baby gifts (Amazon)
- Islamic baby gifts & books (Amazon)
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Spellings and variants of Nana
Read more
- Hausa Muslim names explained
- Nigerian Muslim names: Hausa & Yoruba forms
- Is it a Muslim name? 60 names checked
More girl names like Nana
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Nana mean?
Nana means 'Respected elder lady, grandmother'. It comes from Hausa (honorific).
Is Nana a Muslim name?
Nana is widely used by Muslim Hausa families, often in honour of the scholar Nana Asmaʾu, but it is a Hausa honorific rather than an Arabic name.
How do you pronounce Nana?
Nana is pronounced NAH-nah.