Raanan is a Hebrew given name for boys that means "song" or "joyful song." The name comes from the root verb "ranan," which means "to sing."
In the Bible, Raanan appears as a place name in the book of Samuel. It is mentioned as a location where the prophet Elijah encountered the widow who would eventually help him escape from Queen Jezebel's wrath.
Despite its biblical appearance, Raanan is not a particularly common given name in Israel or among Jews worldwide. However, it has been used occasionally throughout history and may have been chosen by parents for its musical connotation or as a way to honor the biblical figure of Elijah.
Today, Raanan remains a relatively uncommon but unique boy's name with a rich historical and cultural significance. It is often associated with music and joy, making it an appealing choice for parents looking for a meaningful and distinctive name for their son.
The name Raanan has seen periodic spikes in popularity with five births each in 1981 and 2006, followed by a peak of six births in 2012, and another five births in 2015, totaling twenty-one over these years.