Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Lona is a name of Latin origin that means 'light' or 'to shine'. It evolved from names like Alona and Elona. The name has been used in various forms throughout history and is currently seen as a vintage and elegant choice. There is no significant biblical relevance associated with this name.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈloʊnə/
Origin
Latin
Etymology
The name Lona is derived from the Latin word 'lona', which means 'a form of the name 'Alona' or 'Elona', often associated with the meaning 'light' or 'to shine'.
Meaning
light, to shine
Language Evolution
Alona, Elona, Lona
Historical Usage
The name Lona gained popularity in the early 20th century and has remained a gentle yet unique choice for girls.
Variants & Derivatives
Alona, Elona, Loni
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Lona is perceived as a vintage yet elegant name, appealing to those who appreciate unique and softer names.
Famous People
Lona Williams, an American screenwriter, Lona S. Smith, an American artist
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 198 peak births in 1918
Geographic Spread
Popular across 32 US states, with strongest presence in West Virginia
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 9 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (7 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 7 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 6451st of 7545 | 11 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 6464th of 6773 | 6 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 493rd of 9107 | 3,469 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 642nd of 9204 | 2,215 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 927th of 12526 | 2,244 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 1627th of 19264 | 958 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 4382nd of 27321 | 334 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 6848th of 35406 | 273 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 7509th of 30306 | 180 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
65.11% 922nd/1416 |
100.00% 1379th/1379 |
15.72% 372nd/2366 |
85.11% 972nd/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
46.31% 716th/1546 |
50.39% 784th/1556 |
24.61% 579th/2353 |
44.67% 691st/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
37.85% 843rd/2227 |
51.36% 1248th/2430 |
35.47% 1012th/2853 |
36.72% 1019th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
53.39% 1568th/2937 |
57.36% 1998th/3483 |
59.84% 2105th/3518 |
50.94% 2060th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - |
80.86% 5108th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - |
87.19% 6376th/7313 |
- |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - |
100.00% 6822nd/6822 |
- |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in West Virginia across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the G.I. Generation generation in the South region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, usage has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 6451st out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 6464th out of 6773 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 493rd out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 642nd out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 927th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 1627th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 4382nd out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 6848th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 7509th out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.