What does Anh mean and where does it come from?
Anh is a popular Vietnamese name often given to girls. It reflects qualities like peace and gentleness. In Vietnam, names are often chosen based on the characteristics parents hope their children will embody. The name can also be used for boys, depending on the desired meaning and family preferences
Cultural significance
Anh has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Vietnam-speaking communities, where it reflects values of peaceful, calm, gentle; or comforting.
Peak popularity
Reached #1654 in 1984 — currently #5945 in the US.
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Related Reading
Vietnam-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Anh?
Anh works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Anh Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Anh Rose
Floral · soft ending
Anh Claire
French influence · crisp
Anh Jane
Literary · strong
Anh Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Anh right now?
Rising fast — up 6521 spots — currently #5945 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #5945 | 15 | ▲ up 6521 · +200% births |
| 2022 | #12466 | 5 | ▼ down 5744 · -58% births |
| 2021 | #6722 | 12 | ▼ down 1208 · -45% births |
| 2020 | #5514 | 22 | ▼ down 881 · -27% births |
| 2015 | #4633 | 30 | ▲ up 272 · +3% births |
| 2010 | #4905 | 29 | ▲ up 780 · +32% births |
| 2005 | #5685 | 22 | ▼ down 1652 · -29% births |
| 2000 | #4033 | 31 | ▲ up 422 · +35% births |
| 1995 | #4455 | 23 | ▼ down 1572 · -42% births |
| 1990 | #2883 | 40 | ▼ down 864 · -26% births |
| 1985 | #2019 | 54 | ▼ down 8 · +2% births |
| 1980 | #2011 | 53 | ▲ up 3947 · +430% births |
| 1975 | #5958 | 10 | — |
The story of Anh
Anh is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1975. With 2,144 total births recorded, Anh remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #5958 in 1975 to #5945 in 2023. Anh is used for both genders: 69% female and 31% male.
Names that peaked alongside Anh in 1984:
Anh by decade
Anh peaked in the 1980s. See all 1980s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1970s | 124 | |
| 1980s ★ | 786 | |
| 1990s | 446 | |
| 2000s | 399 | |
| 2010s | 357 | |
| 2020s | 32 | |
💎With 2,144 total births, Anh is an uncommon but established name.
What names sound and feel like Anh?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Anh also consider these
Common questions about the name Anh
What does the name Anh mean?
Anh means "peaceful, calm, gentle; or comforting" — a name rooted in Vietnam 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 Anh?
Anh is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Anh have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Anh?
Anh originates from Vietnam tradition. Vietnam names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How does Anh sound with different last names?
As a one-syllable name, Anh flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Anh ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.
Is Anh trending right now?
Anh is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.