While it is often celebrated for its simplicity, Anna carries a weight of history that spans from the Old Testament to the frozen fjords of Disney royalty. It is soft enough for a sweet baby girl yet strong enough for a future CEO or artist.
Verdict: Anna is a pristine choice for a baby born in 2025. If you are looking for a name that offers global recognition, ease of spelling, and a connection to centuries of powerful women, Anna is the gold standard.
Anna Overview
- Meaning: The meaning of Anna is grace.
- Gender: The common gender for Anna is female.
- Origin: Anna has a Hebrew origin as well as ancient Greek.
- Pronunciation: You can pronounce this name as “Aa-n-ah.”
- Popularity: The name Anna is popular and ranks in the top 100 baby girl names in the United States.
- Nicknames: Common nicknames for Anna are: Annushka, Anyuta, Anona, and Annabel.
- Variations: Typical variations of the name Anna are: Anni and Anne.
- Namesakes: Anna Freud, psychoanalyst.
What Does Anna Mean?
At its core, the name Anna is a testament to elegance. It is derived from the Hebrew name Channah (or Hannah), which translates directly to “grace” or “favor.”
However, the “grace” implied here is not just about movement; it carries a theological weight, implying “favor” or “grace of God.” It suggests a person who is favored by the divine or who brings grace into the lives of others.
There is a fascinating, secondary layer to the name’s history as well. Some etymologists suggest a connection to the ancient Roman deity Anna Perenna. In this context, the meaning comes from the Romans and signifies “the year’s cycle” or “enduring,” celebrating the turn of the year and long life.
Where Does the Name Anna Come From?
The name Anna is the Latin form of the Greek name Hannē, which was derived from the Hebrew name Channah.
Its roots are deeply embedded in biblical history. In the Old Testament, the name Hannah belongs to the mother of the prophet Samuel. When the Bible was translated into Greek (the Septuagint) and subsequently into Latin, the spelling evolved, and the Latin translation became Anna.
The name appears in the New Testament as well; Anna is the elderly prophetess who recognizes the infant Jesus as the Messiah at the Temple in Jerusalem. Because of this biblical prominence, the name spread rapidly through the Christian world, particularly in the Byzantine Empire, before moving into Russia, Europe, and eventually English-speaking languages (1).
How Popular is the Name Anna?
Anna is the definition of a “timeless classic.” Unlike trendy names that spike and crash, Anna has maintained a steady, high-ranking position for over a century. It is a statistical unicorn; it has arguably never been truly “unpopular.”
In the United States, Anna has been a Top 100 name for the vast majority of recorded history since 1880. While it had a massive surge in popularity in the early 1900s and another resurgence in the late 90s and early 2000s, it has settled comfortably as a staple choice. It is currently a top-tier choice, beloved by parents who want a name that is traditional but not dusty. It is common enough to be recognized instantly but not so oversaturated that your child will be one of five in her class.
How Do I Pronounce Anna?
The most common English pronunciation is AN-uh (rhyming with “banana”).
However, because Anna is a truly international name, you will often hear the European variation, which is AH-nah (rhyming with “sauna”). This pronunciation gained significant traction in the U.S. following the release of Disney’s Frozen. Both are considered correct, though “AN-uh” remains the default in most American regions.
Is Anna a Boy or Girl Name?
Anna is almost exclusively a female name. Historically and traditionally, it is one of the most enduring girl names in the Western world. While some cultures have used compounds like “Anna” for men (such as the Italian name Sant’Anna), it is extremely rare to find a boy named simply Anna. If you are expecting a daughter, this is a quintessential feminine choice.
Variations of Anna
Because Anna traveled through the Bible to almost every corner of the globe, it has spawned incredible variations.
- Ana: The sleek Spanish and Portuguese spelling.
- Anne: The traditional French version.
- Ann: The concise English spelling.
- Hanna: A nod to the German and Scandinavian roots.
- Anya: The Russian and Polish diminutive that stands on its own.
- Anouk: A Dutch and French variation with a bohemian flair.
- Chana: The original Hebrew form.
Nicknames for Anna
One of the beauties of a short name is that it doesn’t require a nickname, but there are plenty of affectionate options available.
- Annie: Sweet, vintage, and friendly.
- Nan / Nanny: A retro option that was popular in the 1950s.
- Nina: A spunky derivative.
Creative & Rare Nicknames:
- Anoushka: A charming Russian term of endearment.
- Nancy: Originally a medieval nickname for Anna/Agnes before becoming a standalone name.
- Anja: A distinct, exotic twist often used in Nordic countries.
Names Similar to Anna
If you love the vibe of Anna, classic, feminine, and rooted in history, but want to explore other options, consider these names:
- Emma: Like Anna, this is a short, classic name that has enjoyed immense popularity in recent decades.
- Sarah: Another biblical powerhouse that means “princess” and shares the timeless appeal of Anna.
- Alice: Offers the same sweet, vintage charm without feeling outdated.
- Grace: Since Anna means “grace,” naming your daughter the English literal translation is a beautiful parallel.
- Abigail: A biblical name that offers great nickname potential (Abby) similar to Anna (Annie).
- Clara: Shares the ending “a” sound and the vintage elegance of the late 19th century.
- Elizabeth: The ultimate classic pairing; these names are often interchangeable in style and status.
- Julia: A Roman name that feels just as sophisticated and gentle as Anna.
Middle Names for Anna
Anna is a linguistic chameleon; its two syllables and vowel ending allow it to pair with almost any middle name.
Classic & Regal Pairings
These names lean into the royal history of Anna.
Nature-Inspired & Soft
To give the sturdy name Anna a softer, earthier vibe.
- Anna Rose
- Anna Pearl
- Anna Claire
- Anna Violet
- Anna June
Long & Lyrical
Since Anna is short, a longer middle name creates a beautiful rhythm.
Sibling Names for Anna
Creating a sib-set with Anna is easy because it plays well with both vintage gems and modern favorites.
For a Brother
You want a name that is traditional, masculine, and historically established.
- Henry: A royal classic that perfectly matches Anna’s stature.
- Thomas: Reliable, soft, and biblical.
- Benjamin: A longer biblical name that sounds gentle next to Anna.
- Lucas: A slightly more modern take on the classic Luke.
- Edward: Offers that same vintage 19th-century feel.
For a Sister
Look for names that are feminine but not frilly, with a timeless quality.
- Eleanor: A powerhouse vintage name that is back in style.
- Lucy: Short, sweet, and matches Anna’s vowel-heavy sound.
- Beatrice: A name with gravitas and history.
- Emily: A literary darling that pairs beautifully.
- Catherine: The “Kate” and “Annie” nickname combo is adorable.
Famous People Named Anna
Anna has been worn by empresses, ballerinas, and modern icons.
- Anna Pavlova: The legendary Russian prima ballerina who changed the face of ballet.
- Anna Wintour: The influential British-American journalist and Editor-in-Chief of Vogue.
- Anna Kendrick: An Academy Award-nominated American actress and singer.
- Anna Freud: A pioneering psychoanalyst and the daughter of Sigmund Freud.
- Anna Harrison: The First Lady of the United States and wife of President William Henry Harrison.
- Anna Kournikova: Former professional tennis player and television personality.
Anna in Pop Culture
From classic literature to modern blockbusters, Anna is everywhere in fiction.
- Anna: The fearless and optimistic princess from Disney’s Frozen franchise.
- Anna Karenina: The tragic protagonist of Leo Tolstoy’s literary masterpiece.
- Anna Bates: The beloved, resilient head housemaid in the TV series Downton Abbey.
- Anne of Green Gables: While spelled with an ‘e’, this character (who insisted on the spelling!) defines the spirit of the name for many.
- Anna Madrigal: The central character in Armistead Maupin’s Tales of the City series.
FAQs About the Name Anna
Here are the most common questions we receive about this enduring name.
How Common Is the Name Anna?
The name Anna is very popular. It was in the top 50 baby girl names from the year 2000 to the year 2016. Currently, it is ranked in the top 100 baby girl names in the United States. Anna is a popular name that you can find in popular culture and among various celebrities, like Anna Kendrick and Anna Faris.
What Does Anna’s Name Mean in the Bible?
Anna was a prophetess in the Bible. She was a descendant of a Jewish tribe, and the name means grace in Hebrew. The biblical Anna was a devout worshipper who fasted and prayed. She was also one of the first people to recognize the baby Jesus as the coming Messiah.
What Does Anna Mean in Irish?
The ancient Irish meaning of the name Anna is radiance, brilliance, and splendor. Further, the Irish meaning of the name Anna relates to fruitfulness and prosperity, often associated with the goddess Anu (or Ana), who was a mother goddess in Irish mythology.
Is Anna a Royal Name?
Yes, Anna has significant royal pedigree. While “Anne” is more common in the British monarchy (such as Princess Royal Anne), the variation Anna has been borne by Empresses of Russia (Anna of Russia), Queens of Poland, and various European princesses throughout history. It carries a sense of nobility and quiet power.
Can Anna Be Short for Another Name?
Absolutely. While Anna is a complete name on its own, it is frequently used as a diminutive for longer, more elaborate names. It can work as a nickname for Anastasia, Anneliese, Annabelle, Julianna, or Rosanna. This gives parents the flexibility to put a long name on the birth certificate while using Anna for daily life.
