"flowing stream"
Origin: Old Norse
Language: Norse
Runa
Does Runa flow with your last name?
A Norse name of secret wisdom and mystical power
Norse
Scandinavian
Japanese
Icelandic
Whimsical
Spiritual
Vintage
Earthy
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
Share
Similar Names
Names Like Runa
Same sound, same style — different options
Nicknames
Nicknames for Runa
1 shorthand option for every setting
Meaning & Origin
"lapis lazuli, apple"
Origin: Japanese
Language: Japanese
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
Similar to Runa
See all →What the Runa report tells you
$9Personalized to your state, siblings, and priorities. Free playground safety preview included.
Is Runa the #1 name in your state, or barely on the radar?
Enter your other kids' names. We score how well they sound together.
Downloadable PDF + nursery art
Everything in one printable report. Frame the name art.
Start with a free preview
Playground safety check is free. Full report is $9.
What do you want to do with this name?
Keep Runa
Add it to your shortlist. Not losing this one.
Compare names
Put Runa head-to-head with your other picks.
Start comparing →
Nickname ideas
See what Runa actually gets called.
Browse nicknames →
What kind of baby name person are you?
3 minutes to find names that fit your style.
Take the Quiz
The Story of Runa
Runa is a feminine Old Norse name derived from 'rún,' meaning 'secret lore' or 'rune.' The runes were the ancient writing system of Germanic and Norse peoples, but they carried mystical significance beyond mere letters — each rune was believed to hold hidden power and meaning. In Japan, Runa (瑠奈 or ルナ) is also used as a feminine name, sometimes written with characters meaning 'lapis lazuli' and 'apple,' or as a phonetic rendering of Luna.
Runa has risen in Scandinavian countries and Japan in recent decades. In Iceland, it has been a beloved traditional name for over a century. In the English-speaking world, interest in Norse mythology — boosted by Marvel's Thor films and shows like Vikings — has increased appreciation for Scandinavian names.
In Norse tradition, runes were sacred, used for divination, magic, and memorials carved on runestones. A name meaning 'secret wisdom' carries mystical weight. In Japanese culture, Runa is a modern name with a bright, musical sound.
Historical Record
Runa first appeared in US Social Security records in 2000.
Over 560 babies have been named Runa in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Runa is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #2,873 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- The Elder Futhark is the oldest runic alphabet, used by Germanic peoples from the 2nd to 8th centuries CE
- Runes were carved into the famous Rök runestone in Sweden, the longest runic inscription in existence
- In Japan, Runa can be written with characters meaning 'lapis lazuli fruit'
Runa in Other Languages
Swedish
Runa
Japanese
瑠奈
Icelandic
Rúna
Norwegian
Runa
Old Norse
Rún
Popularity Over Time
#2,873
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Rising Fast
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Runa
R
Runa Islam
Artist
1970
British-Bangladeshi artist known for her video art exploring cinema, time, and the act of looking
R
Runa (Fullmetal Alchemist) Fictional
Other
Character appearing in various anime and manga series bearing this name
Names You Might Also Love
See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #2,873
- Total SSA Count
- 58
- Cultural Origins
- Norse Scandinavian Japanese Icelandic
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Common Nicknames
Ru
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
-
Timeless choice, whimsical style, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, vintage style, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, vintage style, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, vintage style, extended 2-3 combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Runa
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
Premium
Check how Runa fits with existing sibling names — style, sound, and origin.
Enter sibling names above to see compatibility.
Similar Names
See all names like Runa →For Parents
amz
Start a baby registry
Free welcome box on Amazon
The Baby Name Wizard
Names that age well — book
Nursery name sign
Personalized wooden letters
We may earn a commission from these links.
Compare Runa with...
Same Origin Names (Norse)
See all Norse names →Names with Similar Meaning
Names that share meaning themes with Runa
Can't decide?
Start a tournament bracket with Runa and other names you're considering.
Start a TournamentLike this name?
Check how Runa sounds with your surname and test for potential nicknames.
Analyze This NameExplore More Generators
-
🧝
Fantasy Name Generator
Create names for D&D and RPG characters
-
🐾
Pet Name Generator
Find the perfect name for your furry friend
-
🎭
Character Name Generator
Names for fictional characters across genres
Names You Might Also Like
View all →
Ami
Girl
Japanese origin
"beautiful second"
#2,931 in US
Miyah
Girl
Japanese origin
"beautiful, graceful"
#2,913 in US
Uma
Girl
Sanskrit origin
"fame"
#2,724 in US
Sonja
Girl
Russian origin
"wise one"
#2,924 in US
Selma
Girl
Germanic/Norse origin
"divine protection, helmet of the gods"
#2,770 in US
Nella
Girl
Latin 'cornu' origin
"horn (from Cornelia)"
#2,772 in US
Carley
Girl
Old German origin
"strong, resilient one"
#3,059 in US
Save Your Name Card
Download a shareable image with Runa's meaning, origin, and popularity. Ready for Instagram, Pinterest, or texting to your partner.
Frequently Asked Questions About Runa
What does the name Runa mean?
"flowing stream" (from Old Norse). "lapis lazuli, apple" (from Japanese). Runa is a feminine Old Norse name derived from 'rún,' meaning 'secret lore' or 'rune.' The runes were the ancient writing system of Germanic and Norse peoples, but they carried mystical significance beyond mere letters — each rune was believed to hold hidden power and meaning. In Japan, Runa (瑠奈 or ルナ) is also used as a feminine name, sometimes written with characters meaning 'lapis lazuli' and 'apple,' or as a phonetic rendering of Luna.
What is the origin of the name Runa?
Runa has Old Norse, Japanese, Norse, Scandinavian, and Icelandic origins. In Old Norse, it means "flowing stream". In Japanese, it means "lapis lazuli, apple".
Is Runa a boy or girl name?
Runa is primarily used as a girl name.
How popular is the name Runa?
Runa is currently ranked #2873 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Runa?
Popular middle name pairings include Runa Soleil, Runa Maeve, Runa Ingrid, Runa Sigrid, Runa Elsa, and Runa Astrid.
What are good sibling names for Runa?
Names that pair well with Runa as siblings include Freya, Signe, Bjorn, Astrid, Leif, Ingrid, and Solveig.
How many syllables does Runa have?
Runa has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Runa a common or rare name?
Runa is an uncommon name, ranked #2873 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Runa
Runa is a girl name with Norse, Scandinavian, Japanese, and Icelandic origins . The name means "flowing stream" in Old Norse .
Runa is currently ranked #2,873 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Runa has 2 syllables, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Runa include Ru. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Keep Exploring
Old Norse Names
Browse all names with this origin
R
Names Starting with R
More girl names like Runa
Rising Names
Names gaining popularity right now
Name Personality Quiz
Find names that match your style
Name Swiper
Swipe through names, build a shortlist fast
Browse All Girl Names
Full list with filters and sorting
Recommended for Parents
amz
Start a registry
Free welcome box on Amazon
Baby Name Wizard
Names that actually age well
Nursery name sign
Personalized wooden letters
We may earn a commission from these links.
Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis