The name Lanna is of Thai origin and has a significant historical and cultural background. It refers to the ancient kingdom that existed in present-day northern Thailand from the 13th to the late 18th century, known as the Lanna Kingdom.
The name Lanna itself means "a million rice fields" in the Thai language. This reflects the rich agricultural landscape of the region and highlights its importance as a center of rice cultivation during the kingdom's era. The name also evokes images of lush greenery, vibrant colors, and ancient traditions that have shaped the culture and identity of the people from this region.
The Lanna Kingdom was founded by King Mangrai in 1259 AD after he unified several small principalities under his rule. Over time, it became one of the most powerful and prosperous kingdoms in Southeast Asia, renowned for its art, architecture, and trade networks that extended as far as China and India.
The use of Lanna as a given name is relatively modern and not widely practiced in Thailand. However, among those who choose this name, it often serves as an homage to the kingdom's rich history, culture, and heritage. It may also be seen as a way to honor one's Northern Thai ancestry or to embody the spirit of resilience and strength that characterized the Lanna people throughout their history.
In summary, while not traditionally used as a personal name in Thailand, Lanna carries considerable historical significance and cultural importance due to its association with the ancient kingdom. As a given name, it may evoke feelings of pride in one's Northern Thai heritage or serve as a tribute to the enduring legacy of the Lanna Kingdom.
"The name Lanna experienced notable fluctuations over the years with peaks of up to 47 births (in 2014) and valleys as low as 12 (in 1953). The trend line suggests a general decrease in popularity from around 1968 onwards, despite some minor spikes. Overall, there have been 2077 births with this name since 1919."