Banu
A girl's name of Persian origin with 7 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
If you're considering Banu, you're looking at a name that fewer than 7 families have ever chosen in the U.S. That kind of rarity is intentional — it signals that the name was chosen for its sound, its personal meaning, or a family connection rather than a trend.
The open, approachable ending gives Banu a crisp, modern feel that pairs easily with most surnames.
Banu is not in the current top 1,000 girl names nationally, making it an uncommon choice — though your state or community may differ.
Banu is a girl's baby name of Persian origin, meaning 'lady' or 'noblewoman' — a term of respect and distinction in Persian culture that has been used as both a title and a given name across Iran, Turkey, and Central Asia for centuries. The name carries an inherent elegance in its culture of origin.
Rare in U.S. records outside of Persian and Turkish communities, Banu has a clean two-syllable sound that travels well into English. For families with Iranian or Turkish heritage, it is a culturally meaningful name with deep roots; for others, it is a quietly beautiful find.
EtymologyShow more
In the American context, Banu is a girl's name with a focused stretch of recorded use (2018–2018). Its Persian roots connect it to a broader naming tradition, but in practice, American usage often reshapes names — adding nicknames, shifting pronunciation, and building new associations that diverge from the original cultural context.
With 7 total births, Banu exists at the edges of the American naming landscape — a name known primarily to the families who carry it, giving it an intensely personal character.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Banu has 1+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 2018.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Avg Rank | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 7 | #12690 | — |
The Story of Banu
A Gen Alpha name
Peaking in 2018, Banu is a fresh, modern favorite. Girls named Banu are most likely born between 2018 and 2018.
How rare is Banu?
With fewer than 500 recorded births, Banu is an exceptionally rare name — a one-of-a-kind choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 2018, peaked in the 2010s with 7 births that decade.
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(1 years, 2018–2018)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 7 | #12690 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Banu a boy's or girl's name?
When was Banu most popular?
How popular is the name Banu?
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Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 2018–2018