Variant of Fanny, a diminutive of Frances, meaning 'free one.'
Fanna is a variant of Fanny, itself a diminutive of Frances, meaning free one. That gives the name a clear lineage into older English and French naming traditions, though Fanna feels less familiar and more delicately altered.
The name has a gentle, old-fashioned sweetness. Fanna sounds compact and friendly, with the soft lightness of a diminutive that has aged into rarity. Because it remains so uncommon, it can feel both vintage and unexpectedly fresh, especially for those drawn to short names with history.