Explore Nan: Meaning, Origin & Popularity
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In This Article
- ❯Origin, Meaning, And History Of Nan
- ❯How To Pronounce Nan?
- ❯‘Nan’ In QR Code
- ❯Notable People Named Nan
- ❯Nan On The Popularity Chart
- ❯Popularity Over Time
- ❯Rank Over Time
- ❯Nan Name's Presence On Social Media
- ❯Nan’s Mention In Fictional Works
- ❯Names With Similar Sound As Nan
- ❯Popular Sibling Names For Nan
- ❯Other Popular Names Beginning With N
- ❯Names With Similar Meaning As Nan
- ❯Popular Songs On The Name Nan
- ❯Acrostic Poem On Nan
- ❯Adorable Nicknames For Nan
- ❯Nan’s Zodiac Sign As Per Western Astrology
- ❯Nan’s Zodiac Sign And Birth Star As Per Vedic Astrology
- ❯Nan Personality Traits As Per Numerology
- ❯Infographic: Know The Name Nan's Personality As Per Numerology
- ❯Nan In Different Languages
- ❯Nan In Fancy Fonts
- ❯Adorable ‘Nan’ Wallpapers To Share
- ❯How To Communicate The Name Nan In Sign Languages
- ❯Name Numerology For Nan
- ❯Baby Name Lists Containing Nan
- ❯Nan In Literature
- ❯Movie Titles Inspired By The Name Nan
- ❯Frequently Asked Questions
- ❯Look Up For Many More Names
- ❯Phonemic Representation Of Nan
- Community Experiences
Origin, Meaning, And History Of Nan
Primarily of Hebrew origin, the sweet name Nan derives from the Hebrew name Hannah or Channah, meaning ‘favor’ or ‘grace.’ According to some sources, Nan also has English roots and is believed to have originated as a diminutive of the English name Ann. Interestingly, the origins of the English name Ann can also be traced back to the Hebrew name Hannah or Channah. Nan is also considered a diminutive of Anne and Nancy. Both these names translate to ‘grace’ in Hebrew.
In Dutch and West Frisian cultures, Nan is considered a shortened form of Johannes or Johanna, which means ‘Yahweh is gracious’ or ‘God is gracious’ in Greek. In Burmese, Nan means ‘palace,’ ‘gold thread,’ or ‘metal thread.’ Nan is predominantly a feminine name. However, it is also used as a given name for boys in some cultures.
Nan is also found to be a Chinese surname. Based in the Chinese province of Henan, Nan (難) originated from the Xianbei surname Tunan (吐難) during the Northern dynasties.
There are no well-known variants of Nan in other languages. However, it has some transliterations, including Annie, Nanette, Nannie, Nance, and Nanny. Also, since it is a short name, it often does not need additional nicknames. Still, a few adorable nicknames you can use affectionately to address someone named Nan are Nanu, Nai, NaNa, and Nance.
Zhang Nan is a notable person bearing the name Nan. He is a badminton player who has won several medals, including a gold medal at the 2014 Asian Games mixed doubles game with his former partner Zhao Yunlei.
In fiction, this endearing name is adopted by multiple fictional characters. The American actress Jamie Brewer gained widespread recognition for portraying Nan in the third season of the American horror anthology TV series American Horror Story: Coven. The female protagonist, Annabel St. George, from Edith Wharton’s historical drama novel The Buccaneers, is also popularly recognized by the nickname Nan throughout the novel. Nan is also the name of the 1908 play by the English poet John Masefield. This play was later renamed The Tragedy of Nan.
Overall, Nan is a short and sweet name with diverse origins and meanings. Its easy spelling and pronunciation inherently give it an amiable vibe that’s impossible to miss. If you seek a feminine name steeped in grace and elegance, Nan would be a timeless choice that defines versatility.
Nan
How To Pronounce Nan?
The way you pronounce a name can make all the difference.
Listen to the sound of the name Nan in English.
‘Nan’ In QR Code
Here's a unique feature for the modern, tech-savvy, and curious parents – have your baby's name in a QR code. If you want your close circle to know your newborn's name, all you need to do is simply scan and share it. The code not only shows the name but its meaning as well; this means you don't have to painfully explain the meaning of your baby's name anymore! So, go ahead. Download, save, and share it with your family and friends, or use it to create personalized keepsakes for your little one.
Notable People Named Nan
This section covers people who have made the name Nan famous with their contributions in various fields. It indeed is a little more inspiration for you to choose the name for your baby, don’t you think?
- Nan GoldinPhotographer
- Nan MartinAmerican actress
- Nan HayworthAmerican ophthalmologist and politician
- Nan ShepherdScottish modernist writer and poet
- Nan KempnerSocialite, fashion icon, philanthropist
Nan On The Popularity Chart
Societal influences, family traditions, latest trends, and timeless appeal are a few criteria that shape the choices of parents in naming their newest family members. In this section, we show you how the popularity of Nan has trended over the years in the US, in absolute numbers (per million) as well as in its ranking.
Popularity Over Time
As per the SSA, data covering the name Nan spans 43 years, with the trend starting in 1980 and lasting until 2022. In 1982, the name reached its peak popularity, given to 20 in every million babies. The name did not find any takers in 2021.
Source: Social Security Administration
Rank Over Time
Nan's ranking has fluctuated over time, rising at intervals and then dipping, reflecting its varying popularity. In 1980, Nan was ranked 5786, it was 9953 in 2001 and 14769 in 2022.
Source: Social Security Administration
Nan Name’s Presence On Social Media
Before you finalize your baby’s name, you would want to assess if the name is rare or popular. Digital footprint of the name - it’s presence on the internet and social media platforms - can provide you with valuable insights on it’s popularity. A name’s online presence is an important metric for new parents to evaluate their options and make an informed choice. How many people are searching the name on Google, how many profiles are there on Facebook, does the name have a Wikipedia page? Such information surely tells you if the name is ubiquitous or unique. Here is how Nan fares on that count.
Nan’s Mention In Fictional Works
In this section, know how the creative minds have treated the name Nan in their fictional works. How often has the name been woven into the storylines, and how popular was the character – these details may not directly influence your naming decision, but you would like to know about Nan’s performance in the world of entertainment, won’t you? Moreover, it could be the name of the character from a movie or series you loved or binge-watched recently! So, check out Nan’s performance in the fictional cosmos.
Title | Character name | Role played by |
---|---|---|
Power to the People | Nan | Laila Morse |
Can You Take My Picture | Nan | Rebekah Tripp |
Confucius | Nan Zi | Lee Jung-hyun |
Life with Ashley | Nan | Carol Butler |
In the Deep of Winter | Xiao Nan | Wei Xiao |
The Thick of It | Nan | Carrie Aizley |
Grace Beside Me | Nan | Tessa Rose |
To Be with You | Du Ruo Nan | Biyun Chai |
Fox | Nan | Cindy O'Callaghan |
Names With Similar Sound As Nan
If you liked the sound of Nan but searching for a name with a different meaning, you may find that right one from our similar-sounding names.
Popular Sibling Names For Nan
If you are looking for some matching sibling names that resonate with Nan, check our suggestions here.
Boy Sibling Names For Nan
Find matching brother names for Nan and create a wonderful team of siblings.
NanneGirl Sibling Names For Nan
Looking for some suitable sister names for Nan? Check out our collection of beautiful and unique names.
NaanaOther Popular Names Beginning With N
Looking for more baby names starting with the letter N to resonate with your family’s naming tradition or to rhyme with the sibling names? Find a range of alternative names starting with this letter.
Names With Similar Meaning As Nan
Discover names synonymous with Nan’s meaning. Explore alternatives, each with a unique charm but that mirrors the meaning.
Popular Songs On The Name Nan
Acrostic Poem On Nan
Dive into the lyrical charm of the name Nan with this acrostic poem. Witness how each letter paints together a story, capturing the name’s individuality, strength, vitality, and sophistication. Inspiring, is it? Why not try a similar poem that describes what you think of your baby’s personality?
Noble and pious, an angel sent from above.
Artistic and altruistic and you are so futuristic.
Nurturing soul, nourished by the nectar of nature.
Adorable Nicknames For Nan
Nicknames are an integral part of your communication with your baby. You tend to use several variations of your child’s name; some are meaningful, while others are simply adorable sounds. Here are a few nicknames you can begin with for the name Nan.
- Nan
- Nana
- Nanny
- Nans
- Nanz
Nan’s Zodiac Sign As Per Western Astrology
Western astrology includes the construction of a horoscope based on the person’s exact time of birth and location to understand the positions of the planet, stars, and zodiac signs at that time. However, in popular culture, it is often narrowed down to the sun sign, which depends on the person’s birth date.There are 12 zodiac signs, each having dominant traits, planetary rulers, elemental connection, and more.
Zodiac sign or Sun sign
The Earth’s orbit around the sun is divided into 12 zodiac signs covering 30-degree sectors. According to Western astrology, the zodiac or sun sign depends on the sun’s position in one of these sectors at the time of your birth. Starting from the sun’s position at the March equinox, the chart goes anti-clockwise from Aries, followed by Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces. These signs are ruled by planetary bodies - Mars, Venus, Mercury, Moon, Sun, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. Furthermore, they are categorized into triplicities or elemental signs - fire, water, air, and earth - that govern their characteristics. Each of these zodiac signs features certain personality traits that may determine how a person presents themselves.
Why the date of birth matters
Each zodiac sign in Western astrology is linked to a specific range of dates in the year. Unlike Vedic astrology, where names can sometimes be used to infer astrological details, Western astrology relies entirely on the birth date.
To know more about your baby’s zodiac sign, choose the period in which your baby’s date of birth falls, from the options given below. This will give you a glimpse into the world of astrology tailored for your baby.
Select your baby’s birthdate range
Mar 21 – Apr 19
Apr 20 – May 20
May 21 – Jun 20
Jun 21 – Jul 22
Jul 23 – Aug 22
Aug 23 – Sep 22
Sep 23 – Oct 22
Oct 23 – Nov 21
Nov 22 – Dec 21
Dec 22 – Jan 19
Jan 20 – Feb 18
Feb 19 – Mar 20
Nan’s Zodiac Sign And Birth Star As Per Vedic Astrology
Vedic astrology, also called Jyotisha, provides deep insights into a person’s life based on celestial positions at birth. Rashi and nakshatra, which are an integral part of Jyotisha, are believed to influence an individual’s personality and life events. The following sections give you rashi-related information, such as the associated letters, elements, ruling body, quality, and nakshatra for the name Nan. These details help analyze a person’s characteristics, personality, and behavior.
Zodiac Sign (Rashi)
As shown in the following table, each rashi is associated with specific sounds, which are often used as the starting letters of names for newborns in Hindu families. Each rashi is represented by a figure and one of the five elements – Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Ether (Space). One ruling celestial body, known as its 'rashi lord' or 'ruler' is assigned to these rashis. These bodies include Venus, Mars, Sun, Moon, Mercury, Jupiter, and Saturn. Furthermore, the rashis are assigned various qualities or gunas.
Rashi (zodiac sign) | Vruschika (Scorpio) |
---|---|
Starting letters for Vruschika (Scorpio) rashi | N, Y |
Representation | Scorpion |
Element | Water |
Ruling body | Mars |
Quality | Fixed |
Birth Star (Nakshatra)
Another important aspect of Vedic Astrology is the nakshatras, the lunar constellations or star clusters that the Moon occupies during a person's birth. There are 27 nakshatras, each with its own unique qualities, attributes, and symbolism. Each rashi contains two-and-one-fourth nakshatras in it. For example, Aries contains Ashwini, Bharani, and Krithika nakshatras.
The below table provides information on the nakshatras’ degrees on the zodiac circle, their lords and related syllables, for babies born in the Vruschika (Scorpio) rashi. These syllables/phonetics are popularly used to choose the baby name. For precise nakshatra calculation based on your baby's birthplace and date, use our Nakshatra Calculator.
Nakshatra | Degrees Of The Nakshatra | Nakshatra Lord (Ruler) | Name Syllables |
---|---|---|---|
Visakha (Vishakam) | Scorpio (0 to 3.20 degrees) | Jupiter | Ti, Tee, Too, Te, Tu, Tae, To |
Anuradha (Anizham, Anusham) | Scorpio (3.20 to 16.40 degrees) | Saturn | Na, Naa, Ni, Nu, Ne, Nee, Noo, Nae |
Jyeshta (Triketta) | Scorpio (16.40 to 30 degrees) | Mercury | No, Ya, Yaa, Yi, Yu |
Nan Personality Traits As Per Numerology
The numerology belief system envisages a relationship between a name and numbers. The related numbers are believed to give insights into a person’s character. We have researched this area to connect the numerology-based characteristic traits to the letters of the English alphabet. And the results are fascinating.
Numerology followers believe that each letter signifies attributes that can influence a person’s attitude and approach. Among these placements, the most significant are the first letter (Cornerstone) and the last letter (Capstone) of a name. Cornerstone highlights your primary personality traits and explains how you face challenges and opportunities in life. Capstone can tell you about your approach to work and how you complete them. Often, a letter may be repeated twice or more in a name. This repetition signifies the intensification or amplification of the traits associated with the letter in an individual’s personality.
Read to know what characteristics the name Nan is known for in numerology. Here we have avoided repetition of letters and added them just once for a better reading experience.
NYou are imaginative, purposeful, and versatile. You have a unique approach to life and are free-thinking..
AYou are ambitious, brave, and independent. You tend to be dominating and seek power and status.
NYou can be quite opinionated, but you love adding your own touch to a project. You also don't hide from public view and embrace compliance.
Infographic: Know The Name Nan‘s Personality As Per Numerology
Nan In Different Languages
It’s exciting to see our baby’s name spelled and written in various languages. See how people spell Nan in Spanish, French, German, Italian, and more! Each language has its own way of saying Nan, but it’s still the same special name. Learn how the name looks and sounds in different languages around the world!
Name | Language | Code |
---|---|---|
Nan | English | en |
南 | Chinese | zh-CN |
नेन | Hindi | hi |
Nan | Spanish | es |
Nan | French | fr |
نان | Arabic | ar |
nan | Bengali | bn |
Nan | Portuguese | pt |
Нэн | Russian | ru |
نان | Urdu | ur |
Nan | Indonesian | id |
Nan | German | de |
ナン | Japanese | ja |
नेन | Marathi | mr |
నాన్ | Telugu | te |
Nan | Turkish | tr |
நான் | Tamil | ta |
Nan | Vietnamese | vi |
Nan | Tagalog | tl |
난 | Korean | ko |
Nan | Hausa | ha |
Nan | Swahili | sw |
Nan | Javanese | jv |
Nan | Italian | it |
nan | Punjabi | pa |
નાન | Gujarati | gu |
น่าน | Thai | th |
nan | Kannada | kn |
ናን | Amharic | am |
नेन | Bhojpuri | bho |
Nan | Yoruba | yo |
Nan In Fancy Fonts
Visualize your little one’s name in different captivating fonts. You can use these fancy styles on birth announcement cards, nursery decorations, personalized gifts, to name a few. Select the perfect font from these options for a touch of personalization.
- Double Struck Fontℕ 𝕒 𝕟
- Bold Script Font𝓝 𝓪 𝓷
- Fancy Style 35 Fontη α η
- Fancy Style 7 FontŇ Δ Ň
- Love FontN♥ a♥ n♥
- Black Square Font🅽 🅰 🅽
- Hand Writing 2 FontN α ɳ
- X Above Bellow FontN͓̽ a͓̽ n͓̽
Liked our fancy fonts for Nan? Why not go a step forward with these beautiful posters? They are perfect to download and use as display pictures or social media posts! You may also use them as part of decorating your child’s room. These personalized wallpapers celebrate the positive vibes of the name, offering a unique way to show how much this name means to you. What’s more! You have multiple options here to choose depending on your mood or occasion.
Nan 3D Wallpaper
Nan Birthday Wallpaper
‘I Love Nan’ Wallpaper
Stylish Nan Wallpaper
Nan Name Initial Wallpaper
How To Communicate The Name Nan In Sign Languages
In Nautical Flags
Nan
In Sign Language
Nan
In Braille Alphabet
Nan
In Morse Code
Nan
In Barcode
In Binary
01001110 01100001 01101110
Name Numerology For Nan
Numerology is an occult system that gives significance to numbers and their influence on human life and destiny. Numerologists attribute specific qualities, energies, and characteristics to a number. Parents who believe in numerology prefer to choose baby names that resonate positively with the child’s unique numerical vibrations, often derived from their date of birth. Here we give a general birth number and personality traits of the name Nan, based on the Pythagorean (Western) system. This analysis will differ from child to child based on their date of birth. You may use our numerology calculator for more personalized information.
Destiny Number
You have got insights and clarity. You tend to attract great ideas and intuitions, and are sensitive. On the negative side, you are vulnerable to painful situations and conflicts.
Personality Number
You are dynamic, efficient, capable and controlled. You are often a leader and use your unique approach to doing things. You are motivating and inspiring with a strong sense of purpose while egotistical at times.
Soul Number
Independent, and have a strong desire to become a leader in your respective field. You long to be in complete control of your destiny.
Baby Name Lists Containing Nan
Read through our baby name lists that include the name Nan and several other similar names. The wider the choice, the better your selection. Isn't it?
- Baby Girl Names With Meanings›
- Baby Girl Names That Start With Letter N›
- Burmese Baby Names With Meanings›
- Burmese Baby Names Starting With Letter N›
- Burmese Baby Girl Names, Starting With Letter N›
- English Baby Names With Meanings›
- English Baby Names Starting With Letter N›
- English Baby Girl Names, Starting With Letter N›
- Hebrew Baby Names With Meanings›
- Hebrew Baby Names Starting With Letter N›
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Nan In Literature
Nan has captured the imagination of storytellers over the years. Here’s a list of literary works carrying the name Nan.
- Nan jing: the classic of difficult issues (chinese medical classics)
- Nan goldin: the other side
- Nan goldin: this will not end well
- Nan goldin: the ballad of sexual dependency
- The whole world inside nan's soup
Movie Titles Inspired By The Name Nan
Discover the presence of Nan in an array of films. Know about the various movies that have this name.
Movie title | Other titles | Release year |
---|---|---|
My Best Friend's Breakfast | Wo chi le na nan hai yi zheng nian de zao can, 我吃了那男孩一整年的早餐 | 2022 |
My Blue Summer | An lian: Ju sheng huai nan, 暗恋·橘生淮南 | 2022 |
Yeh Shih-tao, a Taiwan Man | Taiwan nan zi Ye Shi Tao, Yeh Shih-tao, a Taiwan Man, 台灣男子葉石濤 | 2021 |
Daily Fantasy | Ri chang huan xiang zhi nan, 日常幻想指南 | 2021 |
Man in Love | Amor a Prazo, Aşık Bir Erkek, Dang nan ren lian ai shi, Egy szerelmes férfi, Khi đàn ông yêu, Man in Love (2021), Um Homem Apaixonado, Un bărbat îndrăgostit, Un hombre enamorado, Un homme en amour, Uomo innamorato, Zakochany mężczyzna, Zaljubljeni muškarac, Zamilovaný, Ένας ερωτευμένος άνδρας, Когда мужчина влюблен, 君が最後の初恋, 当男人恋爱时, 當男人戀愛時 | 2021 |
Saka Nan Sepi | 2020 | |
Whale Island | Nan Ren He Ta De Hai, 男人与他的海, 男人與他的海 | 2020 |
The Story of Southern Islet | Historia południowej wyspy, La historia del islote del sur, Nan wu, 南巫 | 2020 |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the meaning of the name Nan?
The name Nan means favor, grace, yahweh is gracious, palace, gold thread, and metal thread.
2. What is the origin of the name Nan?
Nan has a Burmese, English, Hebrew origin.
3. How to pronounce the name Nan?
Nan is pronounced as nan.
References
- Astrology, Hermes (2023); Astrology for Beginners.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/370635414_Astrology_for_Beginners - Shirley Lawrence; The Secret Science of Numerology: The Hidden Meaning of Numbers and Letters.
https://www.academia.edu/97492675/The_Secret_Science_of_Numerology_The_Hidden_Meaning_of_Numbers_and_Letters_Shirley_Lawrence&nav_from=a3c5c3fd-555f-4584-b66d-4a3c8023402e&rw_pos=0 - Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia; “zodiac”; Encyclopedia Britannica.
https://www.britannica.com/topic/zodiac - P.V.R. Narasimha Rao; Vedic Astrology: An Integrated Approach.
https://www.vedicastrologer.org/articles/vedic_astro_textbook.pdf - Paulo Martins; A Concise History of Hindu Astrology and Indian Spirituality; Scholars Journal of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences.
https://www.saspublishers.com/media/articles/SJAHSS_112_33-36_FT_MAEgJAB.pdf - Nan.
https://www.etymonline.com/search?q=nan - International Phonetic Association.
https://www.internationalphoneticassociation.org/ - Adam Szczegielniak; Phonetics: The Sounds of Language; Harvard University.
https://scholar.harvard.edu/files/adam/files/phonetics.ppt.pdf - Lalita K. Wani et al; Review of Scientific Analysis Of Sacred Sound OM (AUM); Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (JETIR), Novermber 2020.
https://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2011207.pdf
Look Up For Many More Names
Do you have a name in mind and want to know more about it? Or want to find names belonging to a particular origin, religion, or having a specific meaning? Use our search tool below to explore more baby names with different combinations.
Phonemic Representation Of Nan
Phonemics is the study of a language’s distinctive sound units (phonemes), as standardized by the International Phonetics Association. When choosing a name for your baby, knowing its phonemic pronunciation gives an idea about the name’s sound pattern and auditory appeal. You can assess the name’s ease of pronunciation, memorability, and softness. Here is the phonemic transcription of Nan in American and British accents.
- In American English: /næn/
- In British English: /næn/
Pronunciation of names, in fact, any spoken word, involves the participation of various parts of the mouth, vocal cord, nose, and lungs. Underneath all the sounds we make is the airstream flowing from the lungs and moving up to the mouth. It’s incredible how lips, tongue, teeth, alveolar ridge, palate, glottis, and larynx work harmoniously to bring out the words. Studies have proved that positive sounds like OM (AUM) help maintain hormonal balance and mental health and reduce stress and anxiety. So, what parts does Nan trigger? Find the details here; the sound of Nan might bring in more positive vibes into your life!
Phoneme | Articulation |
---|---|
/n/ | Tip of the tongue touching the alveolar ridge. Airflow stops for a fraction of a second |
/æ/ | Tongue low front, spread lips. Airflow is continuous |
/n/ | Tip of the tongue touching the alveolar ridge. Airflow stops for a fraction of a second |
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