Spelling and pronunciation of girl name

[GentlePoet]

How would you pronounce Liana / Liyana ?

The pronunciation is Lee-ya-na, the "ana" part doesn't sound like Anna

So like Lip - Yard - Number

It's Arabic, and we just wanted to know how English people would pronounce it on first glance. Also, what spelling do you like better, Liana or Liyana? Also would love to know whether or not you like it.

TIA!

I would pronounce the same as you and was also going to link liana roots. I recall learning about them years ago in geography. I know the name from roots, but never heard it as a girls name.

Liana is lovely.