Derived from Hebrew roots, the name captures a sense of divine kindness. It is a name that has traveled through millennia, transforming from Channah to Anna, and finally to the streamlined Ann. It strikes a balance between being approachable and dignified, making it a versatile choice for a child who could grow up to be anything from a Supreme Court Justice to an indie rock musician.
Verdict: The name Ann is a perfect choice for a baby born in 2025 if you are looking for an alternative to the ubiquitous Anna or Hannah. It is a timeless classic that feels rare in a kindergarten classroom today, offering your child a name that is universally recognized but uniquely theirs.
Ann Overview
- Meaning: Ann means “grace” or “graciousness.”
- Gender: Ann is traditionally a name for girls.
- Origin: The name Ann has Hebrew and Latin origins.
- Pronunciation: The name Ann is pronounced “AN.” It rhymes with “can.”
- Popularity: Ann is a relatively popular name in the United States.
- Nicknames: Anni, Annie, Anny, Anoushka, Anu, Nan, Nance, Nancie, and Nancy.
- Variations: There are at least 14 variations of the name Ann. Common variations include Ana, Anna, Anne, Annelien, Chanah, Ganna, Hanna, and Hannah.
- Namesake: Ann-Margret, the Swedish-American actress, singer, and dancer.
What Does Ann Mean?
Ann is a classic and strong girl name that prioritizes elegance over complexity. The name Ann means “grace” or “favor.”
However, the meaning goes deeper than social grace. Ann is the English spelling of the name Anna, which is a Latinized version of the Hebrew name Hannah. The name Hannah relates to the Hebrew word hanan, which translates to “he was gracious” or “graciousness” (1). In this context, the “grace” referred to is divine favor; it implies that the bearer of the name is a gift or has been looked upon with kindness by God.
The name Ann is culturally associated with Biblical figures that bore the name Hannah or Ann. In the Hebrew Bible, Hannah was the mother of the prophet Samuel. The biblical character of Hannah represents strong faith and receiving favor from God after a period of struggle.
In a Christian context, the name Ann connects to the Prophet Anna, who appears in the Gospel. The name Ann also has a religious connection to Saint Anne, the mother of the Virgin Mary, who is an apocryphal figure in the Christian and Islamic traditions (2). Because of this connection, Ann has long been considered a name signifying maternal dignity and protection.
Where Does the Name Ann Come From?
The name Ann has extremely old origins that trace a fascinating linguistic journey. It comes from the Hebrew feminine name Channah (Hannah).
As history progressed and Greek and Latin became culturally dominant languages, particularly within Christian communities, it became more common for Channah to be transliterated as Anna. With the spread of Roman Christianity, the Latin version of the name became broadly popular across Europe.
Although Anna is the traditional Latin girl’s name, the French version, Anne, gained massive popularity in French and English communities (3). Over time, the English spelling dropped the final “e” to create the streamlined Ann. It has been in recorded use in English-speaking countries for hundreds of years, often favored by royalty in Britain and Europe, solidifying its status as a regal staple.
How Popular is the Name Ann?
Ann is a name with a fascinating trajectory. It is currently a somewhat popular name, though it is far from the ubiquity it enjoyed in the past. As of today, the name Ann remains in the top one thousand most popular baby girl names in the United States (4).
However, during the twentieth century, Ann was a widely popular name, essentially the “Olivia” or “Emma” of its day. The highest peak in the name Ann’s popularity was in 1936 when it was the twenty-eighth most popular baby girl name in the United States. It remained a powerhouse through the 1950s but began a slow decline as parents shifted toward longer, more flowery names in the 80s and 90s.
In 2025, Ann is positioned as a “familiar rarity.” Everyone knows how to spell and say it, but it is uncommon enough that a baby named Ann will likely be the only one in her class. It is currently transitioning from a “filler middle name” back to a chic, standalone first name.
How Do I Pronounce Ann?
Ann is pronounced like “AN.” It is a monosyllabic powerhouse. When spoken out loud, the name Ann should rhyme with the words can, tan, ban, and man. Because of its simplicity, it is one of the few names that travels globally with very little confusion regarding pronunciation.
Is Ann a Boy or Girl Name?
Ann is traditionally a girl name. The name Ann comes from the name Hannah, which is a feminine Hebrew name strongly associated with female biblical figures.
While there are instances of men named Ann (often in honor of a female relative or as a middle name in certain cultures), it is overwhelmingly more common as a name for girls. However, contemporary naming practices provide a lot of flexibility when it comes to gender, and the sharp, short sound of Ann could theoretically fit into the trend of punchy, one-syllable names.
Variations of Ann
Because it is an ancient name, Ann has traveled the globe and picked up local flavor in nearly every language. Here are the most common variations:
- Ana (Spanish/Slavic)
- Anna (English/Italian)
- Anne (French)
- Annelien (Dutch)
- Anouk (French/Dutch)
- Chanah (Hebrew)
- Ganna (Ukrainian)
- Hanna (German/Scandinavian)
- Hannah (Hebrew)
- Hanne (Danish)
- Henda (Yiddish)
- Hene (Yiddish)
- Henye (Yiddish)
- Jana (Serbian/Czech)
- Ona (Lithuanian)
Nicknames for Ann
Despite being only three letters long, Ann offers a surprising number of nicknames. Some are sweet and vintage, while others offer a more spunky edge.
Common Nicknames:
- Ani
- Anni
- Annie
- Anny
- Nan
- Nancy
- Nannie
Creative and Rare Nicknames:
- Anoushka: A Russian diminutive that adds an exotic flair to the simple Ann.
- Nina: While often a name on its own, this works beautifully as a derivative of the “N” sound in Ann variations.
- Nance: A retro, spirited nickname that feels ready for a comeback.
Names Similar to Ann
If you are interested in names like Ann, consider those with a similar aesthetic and sound. You might be looking for short, traditional names or names that start with “A.” Some names similar are:
- Eve: Like Ann, this is a short, biblical classic that packs a punch.
- May: Another one-syllable vintage gem that feels sweet and timeless.
- Jane: Often paired with Ann as the ultimate classic duo; it shares the same no-nonsense elegance.
- Ruth: A strong, biblical monosyllable name with a similar vintage appeal.
- Alana
- Alex
- Alice
- Ally
- Andrea
- Annabelle
- Aubrey
- Ava
- Avery
Middle Names for Ann
Since Ann is short and simple, it serves as the perfect “anchor” for a longer or more elaborate middle name. You can go in several stylistic directions.
Long and Lyrical
To balance the single syllable of Ann, try a multi-syllable middle name with flowery vowels.
Modern and Trendy
Give the classic Ann a contemporary edge by pairing it with unisex or surname-style names.
Vintage Charm
Lean into the “Grandma Chic” trend by choosing a middle name that feels distinctly old-fashioned.
- Ann Beatrice
- Ann Louise
- Ann Alice
- Ann Margaret
- Ann Florence
- Ann Rosemary
Sibling Names for Ann
Ann plays well with other names. It fits perfectly into a sib-set of traditional, biblical, or royal names.
For a Brother
For a brother, look for names that are equally timeless and rooted in history.
For a Sister
For a sister, choose names that share Ann’s understated elegance and femininity.
Famous People Named Ann
Various people throughout history have been named Ann. One prominent example is Ann-Margret, a Swedish-American actress who was popular in the mid-twentieth century. Other examples of famous people named Ann include:
- Ann Bancroft: An accomplished author, teacher, and public speaker.
- Ann Curry: The famous journalist and photojournalist known for her reporting on international conflicts.
- Ann Wilson: The powerhouse lead singer of the rock band Heart.
- Ann Getty: A prominent publisher, philanthropist, and paleoanthropologist.
- Ann Martin: The beloved author of the “Baby-Sitters Club” series which defined a generation of young readers.
- Ann Romney: Public figure, equestrian, and wife of politician Mitt Romney.
Ann in Popular Culture
The name Ann and other variations thereof is frequently used in works of fiction. It is often used for characters who are sweet, girl-next-door types, or conversely, strong and sensible women.
- Ann Darrow: The heroine and “beauty” who tamed the beast in the various iterations of “King Kong.”
- Anne Elliot: The intelligent and patient protagonist in Jane Austen’s novel “Persuasion.”
- Ann Perkins: The cheerful nurse and loyal best friend in the hit television series “Parks and Recreation.”
- Anne Shirley: The imaginative and talkative titular character in “Anne of Green Gables.”
- Raggedy Ann: The red-yarn-haired ragdoll character from the classic children’s stories and merchandise.
FAQs About the Name Ann
Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the name Ann.
Is the Name Ann in the Bible?
Yes, the name Ann appears in the Bible, though often in its variations. In the Christian Gospel, Anna is a prophetess who recognizes Jesus when he is presented in the temple. Since Ann comes from the name Hannah, it is also worth noting that Hannah appears in the Hebrew Bible as the prophet Samuel’s mother. Furthermore, in the apocryphal narratives, St. Anne is the mother of the Virgin Mary.
Is Ann or Anne More Common?
Anne (with an “e”) is generally more common than Ann as a baby girl’s name in the United States. While Ann was the preferred spelling in the mid-20th century, Anne has maintained slightly better traction in recent decades. Both versions are in the top one thousand most popular baby girl names, but Anne ranks slightly higher.
Is Ann Considered an Old Fashioned Name?
Ann is often considered a “vintage” or “classic” name rather than simply old-fashioned. While it peaked in the 1930s and 40s, giving it a grandmotherly vibe to some, its simplicity allows it to transcend eras. In 2025, it is viewed as a timeless choice, similar to names like Jane or Rose, which are seeing a revival among modern parents.
What Are Good Double Barrel Names With Ann?
Ann is one of the best names for creating double-barrel names because it serves as a strong prefix. Popular Southern-style combinations include Ann-Marie, Ann-Louise, Ann-Sophie, and Ann-Claire. It can also be used as the second part of a double name, such as Mary-Ann, Lee-Ann, or Jo-Ann.
What Is the Difference Between Ann and Anne?
The primary difference is spelling and cultural origin. “Ann” is the English spelling and is considered the more streamlined, simplified version. “Anne” is the French spelling and is often perceived as slightly more formal or elegant due to the silent “e” at the end. The pronunciation is generally identical in English.
