What does Ana mean and where does it come from?
Ana is a name of Hebrew origin, spelled as 'אָנָה', meaning 'grace' or 'favor'. It has widespread use in various cultures, particularly as a variant of the name Anna. The name's popularity has led to many forms across languages, including Ann, Hannah, and others. Ana has been borne by numerous notab
Cultural significance
Ana has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hebrew-speaking communities, where it reflects values of אָנָה - 'grace' or 'favor'.
Peak popularity
Reached #119 in 1991 — currently #224 in the US.
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Related Reading
Hebrew-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Ana?
Ana works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Ana Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Ana Rose
Floral · soft ending
Ana Claire
French influence · crisp
Ana Jane
Literary · strong
Ana Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Ana right now?
Declining — down 16 spots — currently #224 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #224 | 1,332 | ▼ down 16 · -5% births |
| 2022 | #208 | 1,402 | ▲ up 26 · +9% births |
| 2021 | #234 | 1,282 | ▲ up 11 · +5% births |
| 2020 | #245 | 1,221 | ▼ down 34 · -21% births |
| 2015 | #211 | 1,545 | ▼ down 14 · -2% births |
| 2010 | #197 | 1,574 | ▼ down 51 · -33% births |
| 2005 | #146 | 2,354 | ▼ down 10 · -3% births |
| 2000 | #136 | 2,426 | ▼ down 2 · +3% births |
| 1995 | #134 | 2,360 | ▼ down 10 · -10% births |
| 1990 | #124 | 2,611 | ▲ up 59 · +78% births |
| 1985 | #183 | 1,469 | ▲ up 15 · +11% births |
| 1980 | #198 | 1,324 | ▲ up 15 · +14% births |
| 1975 | #213 | 1,157 | ▲ up 67 · +11% births |
| 1970 | #280 | 1,047 | ▲ up 37 · +29% births |
| 1965 | #317 | 813 | — |
The story of Ana
Ana has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. More than 104,998 babies have been named Ana since 1880. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #841 in 1880 to #224 in 2023. Ana is used for both genders: 99% female and 1% male.
Names that peaked alongside Ana in 1991:
Ana by decade
Ana peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 78 | |
| 1890s | 110 | |
| 1900s | 157 | |
| 1910s | 367 | |
| 1920s | 710 | |
| 1930s | 757 | |
| 1940s | 1,343 | |
| 1950s | 3,941 | |
| 1960s | 7,866 | |
| 1970s | 11,316 | |
| 1980s | 15,697 | |
| 1990s ★ | 23,694 | |
| 2000s | 23,248 | |
| 2010s | 14,493 | |
| 2020s | 1,221 | |
What are good nicknames for Ana?
CROATIAN
AnicaAnitaAnjaAnkaAnkicaNensi
Famous people named Ana
A(
Ana (historical figure)
Ana bore this name in the Biblical tradition, reflecting its deep roots in Hebrew scripture and culture.
A(
Ana (historical community leader)
Ana led communities across the ancient Near East who passed this name through generations.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Ana?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Ana also consider these
How is Ana written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Ana
What does the name Ana mean?
Ana means "אָנָה - 'grace' or 'favor'" — a name rooted in Hebrew tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Ana?
Ana is currently ranked #224 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Ana?
Ana originates from Hebrew tradition. Hebrew names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
Is Ana more of a girl or boy name?
Ana is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.
Is Ana a classic or a modern name?
Ana has Hebrew roots that go back thousands of years, making it a genuine classic rather than a modern invention. Its staying power across generations reflects its fundamental appeal and the strength of its meaning.