Sultana is a charming and unique name of Arabic origin, derived from the word "sultanah," which means "queen" or "ruler." It is the feminine form of Sultan, a title given to Muslim rulers.
The name Sultana has been popular among Muslims throughout history due to its regal connotation. It gained prominence during the Islamic Golden Age when powerful female rulers like Razia Sultan and Noor Jahan carried the title with pride.
In various cultures and languages, Sultana has been translated and adapted in different ways:
* In Turkish, it is known as Sultan.
* In Persian, it is spelled سلطانة and pronounced "sultānah."
* In Urdu, it appears as سلطانہ, which is pronounced "sultānha."
Despite its regal origins, Sultana remains accessible and appealing to parents seeking a distinctive yet meaningful name for their daughter. It embodies strength, elegance, and dignity while also being easy to pronounce and spell in many languages.
In literature and pop culture, Sultana has been the chosen name for several notable characters:
* In "One Thousand and One Nights," Scheherazade is often referred to as the "Sultana of the Storytellers."
* The main character in Salman Rushdie's novel "The Moor's Last Sigh" is named Aurora Zoe "Sultana" Sen.
* In the animated film "Aladdin," Princess Jasmine's full name is revealed to be Princess Sultana.
In conclusion, Sultana is a captivating and significant name with deep roots in history and culture. Its regal meaning makes it an excellent choice for parents looking for a distinctive yet meaningful name for their daughter.
The name Sultana has been a relatively uncommon choice for babies born in the United States over the past several decades. Between 1948 and 2023, there have been a total of 261 births registered with the name Sultana.
The popularity of the name Sultana has varied over time. In the early years recorded, there were only 6 births in 1948. However, there was a noticeable increase in the late 1970s to mid-1980s, with peak years being 1986 with 11 births and 2013 with 8 births.
More recently, the name Sultana has seen an uptick in popularity. In 2015, there were 9 births, followed by 10 births each in 2016 and 2018. The most recent data available shows that there were 12 births registered for the name Sultana in 2023.
Despite its fluctuating popularity, Sultana remains a unique choice for parents looking for an uncommon but meaningful name for their child.