Meaning & History
Nana is a female given name of unknown meaning, predominantly used in Georgia. The name is historically significant as it belonged to a 4th-century queen consort of Georgia, Saint Nana, who is venerated as a saint in the Orthodox Church. According to tradition, Queen Nana was the wife of King Mirian III of Iberia (an ancient Georgian kingdom). Initially a pagan, she converted to Christianity through the preaching of Saint Nino, a female evangelist. Her conversion played a pivotal role in the Christianization of Georgia, as King Mirian followed suit shortly after. Saint Nana is commemorated alongside her husband as a key figure in Georgia's adoption of Christianity as the state religion.
Etymology
The etymology of Nana is uncertain. It may be of pre-Christian, possibly Persian or Anatolian origin, or it could derive from a nursery word for "mother" or "nanny." The name has no clear meaning in the Georgian language.
Cultural Significance
As a saint's name, Nana has remained popular in Georgia, especially among Orthodox Christians. The feast day of Saint Nana is celebrated on September 1 (civil calendar) or September 14 (Julian calendar). The name is also common in other cultures as a diminutive (e.g., in English for Anna); however, this article focuses on its use as a full name in Georgia. A diminutive of Nana is Nanuli.
- Meaning: Unknown
- Origin: Uncertain; possibly Persian or pre-Christian Georgian
- Type: First name (female)
- Usage regions: Georgia ## Notable Bearers
- Saint Nana (4th century), queen consort of Georgia