Anna name means “grace” or “favor” from the Hebrew root חנן (chanan). The name originated as Hannah in Hebrew, was transliterated to Greek in the Septuagint, and later Latinized as Anna in the Vulgate Bible. Anna holds profound religious significance in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, representing divine blessing and answered prayer. Parents choose Anna today for its timeless elegance, cross-cultural accessibility, and over 2,000 years of documented heritage.
Anna Name Overview
US Rank & Statistics▼
Current Rank (2024)#84
Annual Births3,200+
Peak Position#3 (1880s)
Years in Top 100140+ years
Origin & Language▼
Original FormHannah (חַנָּה)
Language FamilyHebrew → Greek → Latin
First RecordedBiblical Era
Pronunciation▼
Simple FormAN-uh
Phonetic (IPA)/ˈænə/
Syllables2 — An·na
Gender & Meaning▼
GenderFemale / Girl
Core Meaning“Grace” or “Favor”
SecondaryGraciousness, Gift of God
What Does the Anna Name Mean?
The Anna name carries the profound meaning of “grace” or “favor,” derived from the Hebrew root חנן (chanan) meaning “to show favor, be gracious.” This elegant name embodies divine blessing and graciousness, making it deeply significant across multiple faiths. Anna name meaning resonates with parents seeking a name that represents spiritual beauty, kindness, and God’s unmerited favor toward humanity.
Etymology Journey
Core Meaning
חֵן (chen) = Grace, Favor
Hebrew Original
חַנָּה (Ḥannāh)
Root: חנן (chanan) — “to show favor, be gracious.” The original biblical form meaning “grace.”
Greek Transliteration
Ἄννα (Ánna)
Septuagint translation adopted the name, spreading it throughout the Hellenistic world.
Latin Adaptation
Anna
Vulgate Bible standardized the Latin form, establishing the name across Christian Europe.
Modern Global
Anna / Ana / Anne
Today used in virtually every language with minimal variation, showing remarkable linguistic stability.
Where Does the Anna Name Come From?
Anna name traces its ancient origins to Hebrew, evolving through Greek and Latin before becoming a globally recognized name. The Anna ancient linguistic journey spans over two millennia, carrying profound Anna historical significance through Anna roots in biblical tradition.
Historical Origin & Evolution
Hebrew
Origin Language
2000+
Years of History
Biblical
First Record
Linguistic Roots▼
Anna originates from the Hebrew root חנן (chanan), meaning “to show favor, be gracious.” This Semitic root appears throughout the Hebrew Bible, establishing Anna as a name embodying divine grace.
Historical Evolution▼
From biblical Hannah to modern Anna, the name maintained remarkable phonetic stability. The Hannah/Anna distinction emerged from Greek transliteration choices.
Anna name Meaning Origins
Is Anna Name a Boy or a Girl name?
Anna is exclusively a feminine name across all cultures and languages where it is used. Anna masculine usage is extremely rare, with the name maintaining its Anna feminine classification throughout history. The Anna gender identity has remained consistently female, with male equivalents typically being “Hanan” in Hebrew or similar variants in other languages.
Gender Classification
👩GenderFemale / Girl
Female Usage99.9%+
Unisex StatusNo
Male EquivalentHanan
Related FormsAnne, Ann, Ana
Anna is traditionally and overwhelmingly a feminine name across all cultures and languages. While there are rare historical male examples, the name is universally recognized as female.
What Does Anna Name Mean Across Religions?
Anna holds profound Anna Islamic, Anna in bible, Anna Jewish, Anna faith, and Anna spiritual significance across the world’s major religions. The name appears in sacred texts and traditions spanning Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, making it one of the most Anna religious names in human history.
Religious Significance
Permissible (Mubah)
Islamic Permissibility
Anna/Ana is classified as a non-Quranic name that is permissible for Muslims. No prohibition is found in Islamic scholarship.
Arabic Connection
It has Arabic linguistic connections: آناء (ānā’) meaning “moments of the night,” and means “sustenance/food” in some contexts.
Biblical Name
Anna the Prophetess
Elderly prophetess who recognized Jesus as Messiah at the Temple. The only named female prophet in the New Testament (Luke 2:36-38).
Saint Anne
Traditional mother of the Virgin Mary. Patron saint of mothers and grandmothers. Feast day: July 26.
Hebrew Origin
Hannah – Hebrew Original
Anna is the Greek/Latin form of Hannah (חַנָּה), mother of the prophet Samuel. Represents devotion and answered prayer.
Jewish Tradition
Hannah’s prayer is a model for Jewish tradition, and her song parallels Mary’s Magnificat.
Anna Name currently ranks #84 in the United States with approximately 3,200+ births annually. Anna popular status has remained remarkably stable, with Anna ranking consistently in America’s top 100 for over 140 years, demonstrating exceptional Anna United States staying power.
Current: #84
Popularity Dashboard
1880s
#3
1950s
#20
1980s
#35
2000s
#55
2020s
#84
Anna has remained in America’s top 100 for over 140 years.
Sweden
#1
Most common female name
Brazil
#2
3.9M+ people named Anna
Russia
Top 10
Consistently popular
Poland
Top 5
Historically #1
Anna name meaning and origin video
The Unique Value of the Anna Name
Anna name stands apart as a Anna unique name through its extraordinary combination of ancient heritage and modern accessibility. The Anna heritage spans over two millennia, with Anna cultural significance that few names can match. Anna significance lies in its Anna timeless quality — remaining perpetually stylish while never feeling trendy, a Anna legacy that connects generations across cultures and continents.
Key Facts About Anna Name
Anna has appeared in both Old and New Testaments, been borne by royalty across Europe, and remains one of the top 5 most common female names globally, with an estimated 50+ million women bearing some form of this name worldwide.
Key Facts About Anna
📜
Biblical Heritage
Over 2,000 years of history
Anna appears in both Testaments — as Hannah in the Old Testament and as Anna the Prophetess in Luke 2:36-38.
🌍
Global Reach
Used in virtually every language
Minimal phonetic variation across languages (Ana, Anne, Anya), making it internationally accessible.
👑
Royal Legacy
Popular among royalty
Numerous queens and princesses throughout European history bore the name Anna, cementing its regal associations.
📚
Literary Fame
Iconic in world literature
Leo Tolstoy’s “Anna Karenina” created one of literature’s most complex female characters.
Expert Rating for the Anna Name
Anna name earns an impressive 8.8/10 overall score, excelling particularly in cultural heritage (10/10) and ease of spelling (10/10). Its slightly lower uniqueness score (6/10) reflects its global popularity rather than any deficiency in the name itself.
Expert Rating
8.8/10
Overall Score
Sound & Flow9/10
Clear pronunciation that works in virtually all languages. Melodious quality appeals across cultures.
Cultural Heritage10/10
Biblical roots in both testaments, 2,000+ years of documented use.
Ease of Spelling10/10
Only 4 letters, phonetic spelling matches pronunciation exactly.
Uniqueness6/10
Very common globally. Historical depth may reduce perception of uniqueness.
Personality & Vibe of Anna
Anna conveys grace, sophistication, and approachability. Those who bear the name are often perceived as elegant, intelligent, and nurturing, with a classic appeal that works across all professional and personal contexts.
Personality & Vibe
Classic Appeal
95%
Timeless elegance that never feels dated or trendy.
Choosing Anna offers timeless elegance, international recognition, and rich heritage as primary advantages. Considerations include its popularity (less unique) and limited nickname options due to its brevity.
Pros and Cons
✓Strengths5
Timeless Appeal
Never goes out of style — in top 100 for 140+ years
International Recognition
Works seamlessly across languages and cultures
Rich Heritage
Biblical roots spanning multiple faiths
!Considerations3
Very Common
May know multiple Annas — less unique
Similar Names
Can be confused with Anne, Ana, Hannah
The pros significantly outweigh the cons — Anna remains an excellent choice for parents seeking a name with depth, beauty, and staying power.
Is Anna a Good Baby Name in 2025?
YES — Anna name remains an outstanding choice for 2025, offering modern parents a name with genuine substance. Its Anna 2025 appeal lies in combining Anna modern sensibilities with ancient Anna parents trust, making it a highly recommended option for those seeking an Anna name timeless name that will never feel dated.
✓ Recommended
Is Anna a Good Baby Name in 2025?
8.8★★★★★
Timeless Elegance▼
Anna has transcended trends for centuries, remaining perpetually stylish without ever feeling dated or overused despite its popularity.
Cross-Cultural Versatility▼
Whether in New York, Stockholm, or São Paulo, Anna works seamlessly — a rare quality for any name.
Religious Flexibility▼
Accepted and meaningful in Christian, Jewish, and Muslim traditions, Anna offers spiritual depth without limitation.
YES — Anna remains an exceptional choice in 2025, combining ancient heritage with modern accessibility.
Anna Name Character and Life Path
Cultural perceptions associate Anna personality with grace, wisdom, and compassion. While these Anna character traits reflect Anna perception and Anna cultural associations rather than scientific predictions, the name’s historical bearers — from prophetesses to ballerinas to queens — demonstrate the Anna traits of resilience and accomplishment across Anna life path journeys.
Character Traits Associated with Anna
✨Grace & Elegance▼
The name’s meaning of “grace” often manifests in those who bear it — natural elegance in movement and speech.
PoisedRefined
📚Wisdom & Intelligence▼
Historically associated with educated women and scholars, Anna carries connotations of intellectual depth.
ThoughtfulLearned
💝Compassion & Nurturing▼
Connection to mother figures associates Anna with maternal warmth and emotional intelligence.
CaringEmpathetic
Name Pairings for Anna
Anna name offers versatile Anna nicknames and Anna middle names options, while Anna siblings names tend to share its classic sensibility. Popular Anna combinations include Anna Grace, Anna Marie, and Anna Elizabeth, each adding distinct Anna complement qualities to the base name.
Popular Nicknames for Anna
AnnieAnnyAnnAnnie MaeAnna Belle
Annie
The most popular and enduring nickname for Anna. Annie adds a friendly, approachable quality while maintaining the name’s sweetness.
Anny
A modern, slightly European variation that feels fresh while staying true to the original. Popular in German and Scandinavian countries.
Ann
The simplest form. Offers a more mature, streamlined alternative to the full name.
Annie Mae
A charming double nickname combining Annie with the popular middle name Mae. Creates a sweet, Southern-inspired feel.
Anna Belle
An elegant elongation that adds Southern charm. Can be used as a nickname or full compound name.
💡 Tip: Anna is already quite short, so many people use the full name without a nickname!
Popular Middle Names for Anna
Popular middle names include Grace (meaning match), Marie (French elegance), Rose (romantic), and Elizabeth (royal pairing). Avoid rhyming combinations.
Popular Middle Names for Anna
GraceAnna Grace
Perfect symmetry — “Grace” is the literal meaning of Anna.
RoseAnna Rose
A classic floral middle name that adds romantic elegance.
MarieAnna Marie
A quintessentially French combination that exudes sophistication.
ClaireAnna Claire
“Clear” and “grace” — the meanings complement each other beautifully.
ElizabethAnna Elizabeth
Two queens of names together — pairs royally with Anna’s grace.
CatherineAnna Catherine
Both names have graced queens and saints throughout history.
⚠️ Combinations to Avoid
Avoid “Anna Banana” rhyming combinations. Also be careful with names ending in “-a” as they may run together.
Common Sibling Names for Anna
Popular sister names include Emma, Grace, Sarah, and Hannah. Brother names that pair well include Jacob, Michael, David, and James.
Common Sibling Names for Anna
Emma
Classic match
Both timeless classics in the top 100 for generations.
Grace
Meaning match
Grace is Anna’s literal meaning.
Sarah
Biblical match
Both names have Hebrew origins and biblical roots.
Claire
French elegance
Simple, elegant names with French associations.
Jacob
Biblical classic
Both Hebrew names with deep biblical roots.
Michael
Enduring classic
Like Anna, Michael has remained popular for generations.
David
Biblical match
King David and Hannah/Anna both appear prominently in Hebrew scriptures.
James
Royal classic
Anna and James both have extensive royal histories.
Similar Names for Anna
Names similar to Anna name include Hannah (Hebrew original), Anne (French form), Ana (Spanish), Anya (Russian), and Annie (diminutive form).
Similar Names for Anna
#1
Hannah
Same Hebrew origin
▼
The Hebrew original of Anna — etymologically identical with the same meaning of “grace.”
Etymological Twin
#2
Anne
French variation
▼
The French form, dropped the final ‘a’ for a sleeker profile. Anne feels slightly more formal and European.
French Form
#3
Ana
Spanish/Portuguese
▼
The Spanish and Portuguese form, pronounced “AH-nah.” Identical etymology with a softer, Mediterranean flair.
Mediterranean
#4
Anya
Russian diminutive
▼
Russian diminutive of Anna that has become a standalone name. Offers the same heritage with a distinctive Eastern European sound.
Russian
#5
Annie
Diminutive form
▼
Originally a nickname for Anna that evolved into an independent name. Friendlier and more casual.
Diminutive
Famous People Named Anna
Notable Annas throughout history include Anne Frank, whose diary became the world’s most-read Holocaust account; Anna Pavlova, the legendary Russian ballerina; Anna Wintour, Vogue’s influential editor-in-chief; and Saint Anne, the traditional mother of Mary in Christian tradition.
⭐
Famous People Named Anna
5
Notable Figures
2,000+
Years of History
📖
Anne Frank
Diarist (1929-1945)
▼
Author of “The Diary of a Young Girl” — the most widely read personal account of the Holocaust, translated into 70+ languages with over 30 million copies sold. Her diary is designated a UNESCO Memory of the World Heritage document.
Russian prima ballerina and choreographer who created “The Dying Swan” (1905). First ballerina to achieve worldwide celebrity status and founded the first independent ballet company to tour globally.
Most influential figure in fashion journalism for over 35 years. Editor-in-Chief of Vogue since 1988, inspiration for “The Devil Wears Prada.” Dame Commander of the British Empire (DBE, 2017).
Traditional mother of the Virgin Mary and grandmother of Jesus Christ. Venerated as a saint in Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and Anglican traditions. Patron saint of mothers, grandmothers, and women in labor. Feast day: July 26.
Titular protagonist of Leo Tolstoy’s masterpiece — one of literature’s most complex female characters. The novel is considered among the greatest works of world literature, with multiple film adaptations.
Parents drawn to Anna’s Anna similar names often appreciate Emma, Sarah, Grace, Elizabeth, and Claire — names that share Anna’s Anna parents appeal for Anna classic style, Anna heritage depth, and Anna style timeless elegance.
Parents Who Like Anna Also Like
AllBiblicalClassicShort Names
EmmaGermanic▼
Like Anna, Emma has remained a top name for generations with timeless appeal and international recognition.
US Rank
#2
Shared Quality
Timeless
SarahHebrew▼
Another Hebrew name with deep biblical roots, Sarah shares Anna’s spiritual heritage and classic feminine appeal.
US Rank
#95
Shared Quality
Biblical
GraceLatin▼
Grace is literally Anna’s meaning — parents drawn to Anna’s significance often love Grace for the same reason.
US Rank
#34
Shared Quality
Meaning
ClaireFrench▼
Short, elegant, and French like Anna’s variant Anne. Claire shares the same refined simplicity.
US Rank
#59
Shared Quality
Elegant
ElizabethHebrew▼
Both queens of names with royal heritage spanning centuries. Elizabeth and Anna are natural companions.
US Rank
#16
Shared Quality
Royal
Final Thoughts on the Anna Name
Final Thoughts on the Name Anna
“A name that has graced queens, saints, and ordinary women alike for millennia.”
Anna represents the rare convergence of ancient heritage and contemporary relevance. Its meaning of “grace” transcends language and culture, resonating with parents across every continent and faith tradition. The name has demonstrated remarkable staying power, never falling from America’s top 100 in over 140 years of record-keeping, while remaining among the top 5 most common female names globally.
For parents seeking a name with genuine substance — one that offers biblical depth, international accessibility, elegant simplicity, and a meaning that will inspire their daughter throughout her life — Anna stands as one of the finest choices available. Whether you’re drawn to its Hebrew roots, its Christian significance, its Islamic permissibility, or simply its timeless beauty, Anna delivers on every measure that matters for a baby name.
Final Verdict Summary
✓2,000+ years of documented heritage across major religions
✓Top 100 in US for 140+ consecutive years
✓Expert rating of 8.8/10 with perfect heritage score
Recommended without reservation for parents seeking timeless elegance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Anna Name
Find answers to the most common questions parents ask about the name Anna.
❓
Frequently Asked Questions About Anna
What does the name Anna mean?▼
Anna means “grace” or “favor” from the Hebrew root חנן (chanan), which translates to “to show favor, be gracious.” The name embodies the concept of divine grace and graciousness, representing unmerited favor and blessing from God.
The meaning has remained consistent across Hebrew, Greek, Latin, and all modern languages for over 2,000 years.
Is Anna a biblical name?▼
Yes, Anna appears in both Testaments. In the Old Testament, Hannah (the Hebrew form of Anna) is the mother of the prophet Samuel. In the New Testament (Luke 2:36-38), Anna the Prophetess recognizes the infant Jesus as the Messiah at the Temple.
Anna is one of the few names that appears in both the Old and New Testaments with the same etymological meaning.
Is Anna a popular name?▼
Yes, Anna currently ranks #84 in the United States with approximately 3,200+ births annually. It has remained in America’s top 100 for over 140 consecutive years. Globally, Anna/Ana variants rank among the top 5 most common female names worldwide, with over 50 million women bearing some form of the name.
Anna peaked at #3 in the 1880s and has never fallen out of the top 100.
What is the difference between Anna and Hannah?▼
Anna and Hannah are etymologically the same name. Hannah (חַנָּה) is the original Hebrew form, while Anna is the Greek/Latin transliteration. Both mean “grace” and derive from the same Hebrew root. The distinction emerged from Greek translation choices in the Septuagint.
Both names are equally valid and share identical meaning, origin, and biblical significance.
Is Anna a good name for a baby girl?▼
Anna is an excellent choice for a baby girl, earning an expert rating of 8.8/10. It offers timeless elegance, cross-cultural accessibility, rich religious heritage, and a beautiful meaning. The name works professionally and personally, ages well from infancy through adulthood, and remains stylish across generations.
Recommended without reservation for parents seeking a name with genuine substance and staying power.
What are good middle names for Anna?▼
Popular middle names for Anna include Grace (reinforces the meaning), Marie (French elegance), Rose (romantic touch), Elizabeth (royal pairing), and Claire (sophisticated simplicity). The name pairs well with both one-syllable classics and longer traditional names.
Avoid rhyming combinations like “Anna Banana” and consider flow with names ending in “-a.”
Sources & References
Sources & References
12 Sources✓ Verified
🏛️
U.S. Social Security Administration
Governmental
▼
Used for: US popularity rankings, birth statistics, historical data
