Few names balance imperial grandeur with spiritual depth quite like Anastasia. It is a name that feels woven from silk and steel; it evokes images of snowy Russian palaces, Byzantine saints, and a timeless resilience that has kept it relevant for millennia. While it carries a distinct “princess” vibe thanks to historical royalty and animated classics, Anastasia is far from fragile. It is a substantial, five-syllable lyrical name that commands attention without being ostentatious.
At its core, Anastasia is a name of hope. Rooted in the concept of “resurrection,” it suggests new beginnings and endurance. It manages to feel vintage and highly sophisticated while offering a treasure trove of approachable nicknames that fit a modern child perfectly.
Verdict: Anastasia is an impeccable choice for a baby born in 2026. It sits in the “Goldilocks” zone of popularity: recognizable and easy to spell, yet distinct enough that your daughter won’t be one of three in her kindergarten class. It offers the elegance of names like Isabella or Olivia but with a more exotic, Eastern European flair.
Anastasia Overview
- Meaning: It is derived from the Greek word “anástasis,” meaning “resurrection,”
- Gender: The name Anastasia is predominantly given to girls.
- Origin: Anastasia is of Greek origin.
- Pronunciation: It is most commonly pronounced as “an-ah-stay-zha” or “an-ah-stay-zee-ah.”
- Popularity: In the United States, Anastasia ranked 158th for girls born in the United States in 2019.
- Nicknames: Ana, Ann, Annie, Anya, Asia, Asta, Natasha, Stacey, Stacia, Stasha, Stasy, Tasia, Tasie.
- Variations: Anastacia, Anastaise, Anastasha, Anastasiya, Anastassia, Anastazia, Annastasia, Nastasiya, Nastunye.
- Namesakes: Anastasia Valeryevna Liukina, Anastasia Nikolaevna, Anastasia Ivanovna Rodionova.
What Does Anastasia Mean?
Anastasia is a name profound in its spiritual weight. It is derived from the Greek word anástasis, which is a compound of two elements: ana (meaning “up” or “again”) and stasis (meaning “standing”). Put together, the literal etymology is “standing up again,” which translates directly to “resurrection” or “rebirth.”
While the dictionary definition is straightforward, the cultural implication is one of triumph over death and the start of a new chapter. In Slavic languages and English, it similarly carries the meaning of being “reborn,” making it a powerful choice for a rainbow baby or a child born during the spring.
Where Does the Name Anastasia Come From?
The name Anastasia is of Greek origin and boasts a rich history spanning nearly two thousand years. In the early Christian church, the name was highly significant and was traditionally given to Greek girls born in December or around the Easter holiday to honor the resurrection story.
The name also has roots in Italy and the wider Roman Empire due to the cult of a Fourth Century saint, Anastasia of Sirmium (1). She was a noblewoman known for healing the sick and was martyred during the persecutions of Diocletian. She is one of the few women mentioned by name in the Canon of the Mass, cementing the name’s status in Catholic history.
Surprisingly to some, Anastasia was also a girl’s name in ancient Britain and Ireland, often arriving with religious influence long before it became associated with Russian royalty.
How Popular is the Name Anastasia?
Anastasia is the definition of a “modern classic.” It is a name that everyone recognizes but that has never become trendy to the point of overuse. In the United States, the name has been on a steady, confident upward trajectory. After falling out of fashion in the mid-20th century, it began to climb aggressively in the 1990s, likely aided by the release of the animated film Anastasia.
Currently, it sits comfortably within the Top 200 names. It is a “rising star” that has stabilized; it is popular enough to feel familiar and safe, but rare enough to remain sophisticated. In many Slavic countries, however, Anastasia is a dominant force, consistently ranking as a top choice for girls in Russia, Georgia, and Moldova (2).
According to recent data, it ranked 181st for newborn girls in 2021, a massive jump of almost 200 places since the year 2000 (3).
How Do I Pronounce Anastasia?
Because the name spans so many cultures, the pronunciation can shift slightly depending on your location:
- English (Common): an-ah-STAY-zha (rhymes with “fantasia”). This is the most common pronunciation in the US and UK.
- European/Original: an-ah-STAH-see-ah. This five-syllable pronunciation is common in Eastern Europe, Greece, and among parents who prefer the “full” sound of the vowels.
Is Anastasia a Boy or Girl Name?
Anastasia is strictly used as a feminine name. The masculine counterpart is Anastasius (Greek), Anastasio (Italian/Spanish), or Anastas (Slavic). While many ancient names are becoming unisex, Anastasia retains a distinctly feminine identity.
Variations of Anastasia
This name has traveled the globe, adapting to local tongues while keeping its core beauty. Here are the most distinct variations:
- Anastasiya (Russian, Ukrainian)
- Anastasie (French)
- Anastazia (Czech, Greek)
- Nastasia (Russian Short Form)
- Anstace (Medieval English)
- Nastja (Slovenian, Croatian)
- Anastacia (Spanish spelling)
- Stasya (Russian)
Nicknames for Anastasia
One of the greatest assets of this name is its versatility. You can choose a nickname that feels cute, professional, or edgy.
Common Nicknames:
Creative & Rare Nicknames:
- Stassi: A chic, modern spin popularized by reality TV star Stassi Schroeder.
- Sia: A short, musical nickname taken from the middle of the name.
- Nastia: The traditional authentic Russian diminutive.
- Asta: A vintage, punchy option that feels Scandinavian.
Names Similar to Anastasia
If you love the romantic, multi-syllabic flow of Anastasia, you might appreciate these names that share a similar “vibe” or origin:
- Alexandra: Like Anastasia, this is a powerful Greek name with heavy royal history.
- Evangeline: Shares the long, lyrical sound and spiritual undercurrent.
- Tatiana: Another Russian royal name that often pairs with Anastasia.
- Seraphina: Offers the same ethereal, angelic quality.
- Arabella: A long, romantic choice ending in “a.”
- Katarina: The Slavic and German form of Catherine; sharp and elegant.
- Natalia: A Russian/Latin favorite that means “Christmas Day,” mirroring Anastasia’s holiday connections.
- Theodora: Meaning “gift of God,” it shares the vintage Greek grandeur.
Middle Names for Anastasia
Because Anastasia is a long, five-syllable name, it pairs best with middle names that provide balance. You can go short and punchy, or double down on the romance.
Short & Sweet
- Anastasia Mae
- Anastasia Rose
- Anastasia June
- Anastasia Pearl
- Anastasia Faye
Classic & Royal
Nature Inspired
- Anastasia Willow
- Anastasia Ivy
- Anastasia Violet
- Anastasia Lily
- Anastasia Wren
Sibling Names for Anastasia
Creating a sibset around Anastasia requires names that can hold their own weight. You generally want to avoid very short, modern names (like “Jax” or “Ace”) as they may feel mismatched.
For a Sister:
For a Brother:
Famous People Named Anastasia
From imperial palaces to Olympic podiums, this name has been worn by women of distinction:
- Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna: The youngest daughter of Tsar Nicholas II of Russia, whose life and tragic death became the subject of legend and mystery throughout the 20th century.
- Anastasia Soare: The billionaire businesswoman known as the “Eyebrow Queen” and founder of the cosmetics giant Anastasia Beverly Hills.
- Anastasia Liukin: Known as “Nastia,” she is a Russian-American artistic gymnast who won the all-around gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
- Anastasia Myskina: The first Russian female tennis player to win a Grand Slam singles title.
- Anastasia Griffith: A British actress known for her roles in TV dramas like Damages.
Anastasia in Popular Culture
While not overused in fiction, the characters named Anastasia tend to be memorable icons:
- Anastasia (1997 Film): The titular character of the beloved animated musical (originally Fox, now Disney), which reimagined the story of the lost Russian Grand Duchess.
- Anastasia Steele: The protagonist of the global phenomenon book series and film franchise Fifty Shades of Grey.
- Anastasia Tremaine: One of the stepsisters in Disney’s classic Cinderella, known for her red hair and pink dress.
FAQs About the Name Anastasia
If you want to learn even more about the name, read on to find the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Anastasia.
Is Anastasia a Biblical Name?
In Christianity, the “anastasis” is commonly known as the resurrection of Jesus Christ. So, Anastasia has biblical roots.
Is the Name Anastasia Associated With Easter?
Yes, baby girls were traditionally given the name Anastasia if they were born around the time of Easter.
Who Is Saint Anastasia of Sirmium?
Saint Anastasia of Sirmium was a Fourth Century saint martyred during the Great Persecution. Not much is known about her, but she is often regarded as St. Anastasia the Healer and the deliverer of potions.
Why Is There a Mystery Around Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna of Russia?
Several women outside of Russia long claimed to be Duchess Anastasia. That was despite the Russian royal being officially declared deceased by professional forensic teams. Nevertheless, the story has made for numerous great books and movies!
Who Is Anastasia From the Book “The Ringing Cedars of Russia?”
Entrepreneur and author Vladimir Merge claims to have met the prophetess Anastasia on the Ob River in Siberia. Here, Merge claimed that she taught him about kinship homesteads and wanted him to share the knowledge with the world. The readers of the book series later started a neo-pagan movement.
Is Anastasia Considered a Disney Princess Name?
Technically, yes. While the 1997 animated film Anastasia was produced by 20th Century Fox, Disney acquired the studio in 2019. This means the character is now part of the Disney library, though she is not always included in the official “Disney Princess” merchandise lineup. Additionally, Cinderella’s stepsister is named Anastasia.
Is Anastasia Too Long for a Baby?
Not at all. While five syllables is substantial, the name has a rhythmic flow that is easy to say. Furthermore, it offers immediate access to short, punchy nicknames like Ana, Anya, or Stacey for daily use, allowing the child to grow into the formal version as an adult.
What Is the Russian Diminutive for Anastasia?
In Russia, it is very rare to call a child by their full formal name. The most common diminutive (nickname) for Anastasia in Russian culture is “Nastia” (pronounced NAHS-tya). Another affectionate variation used by family is “Nastenka.”
Does Anastasia Mean Royal?
The name itself does not mean royal; it means “resurrection.” However, the name is inextricably linked to royalty due to the Romanov dynasty in Russia, where it was a favorite choice for tsardoms for centuries. It carries a “regal” vibe even if the etymology is spiritual.
Is Stacey Short for Anastasia?
Yes, historically, Stacey (or Stacy) originated as a nickname for Anastasia, particularly in Ireland and England. While Stacey became a standalone name in the mid-20th century, it is still a valid and traditional nickname for Anastasia.
