Albana is a feminine given name of Albanian origin. Its meaning and history are deeply rooted in the culture and traditions of Albania.
The name Albana is derived from the Albanian word "alban" which means "light". In Albanian mythology, Albana is believed to be the daughter of the sun god, Helios. According to legend, Albana was so beautiful that her father tasked her with bringing light to the world. She rode across the sky in a chariot pulled by four horses, scattering sunlight throughout the day.
The name Albana also has historical significance. It is often associated with Albania's struggle for independence from the Ottoman Empire. Albana was a popular name among women who played significant roles in the Albanian National Awakening, a cultural and political movement that sought to establish an independent Albanian state. One notable figure was Albana Shahteretsi, a heroine of the Albanian Revolt against the Ottoman Empire.
Today, Albana continues to be a popular given name in Albania and among the Albanian diaspora around the world. It is often chosen for its beautiful sound and its positive connotations with light and enlightenment. However, it remains relatively rare outside of Albania, making it a unique choice for parents looking for an uncommon yet meaningful name for their daughter.
In conclusion, Albana is a feminine given name of Albanian origin that carries significant cultural and historical importance. Its meaning, "light," reflects the beauty and radiance associated with its namesake in Albanian mythology. Additionally, the name has played a role in Albania's struggle for independence, further enriching its story and legacy. Despite being relatively uncommon outside of Albania, Albana remains a beautiful and meaningful choice for parents seeking a unique and significant name for their daughter.
The name Albana has seen a varied history of popularity over the past few decades in the United States. With only five recorded births each year between 1989 and 1990, it seems that the name was not widely chosen during this period.
However, there was an increase in popularity from 1992 onwards, with seven babies named Albana born that year. This trend continued throughout the mid- to late 1990s, with six births recorded annually between 1994 and 1995, followed by a peak of nine births in 1998.
The early 2000s saw a slight decline in popularity again, with five births each year from 2000 to 2005. However, there was another small increase between 2004 and 2008, during which six babies were named Albana annually.
After a few years of stable popularity, the name Albana experienced another decline in recent years, with only five births recorded each year from 2013 to 2015. Overall, according to the statistics provided, there have been a total of seventy-six babies named Albana born in the United States over this time period.