What does Anisa mean and where does it come from?
Anisa (أنيسة) is an Arabic name that conveys notions of companionship and friendship. It is often used in Middle Eastern cultures and has grown in popularity in Western contexts as well. The name carries a sense of warmth and support, which makes it a favored choice among parents. Notable individual
Cultural significance
Anisa has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Arabic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of companion; friend..
Peak popularity
Reached #1024 in 1967 — currently #2139 in the US.
🌿
Related Reading
Arabic-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Anisa?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Anisa?
Anisa works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Anisa Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Anisa Rose
Floral · soft ending
Anisa Mae
Sweet · timeless
Anisa Claire
French influence · crisp
Anisa Jane
Literary · strong
Anisa Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Anisa right now?
Rising fast — up 207 spots — currently #2139 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #2139 | 89 | ▲ up 207 · +13% births |
| 2022 | #2346 | 79 | ▲ up 40 · +5% births |
| 2021 | #2386 | 75 | ▼ down 158 · -6% births |
| 2020 | #2228 | 80 | ▼ down 432 · -31% births |
| 2015 | #1796 | 116 | ▼ down 162 · -11% births |
| 2010 | #1634 | 131 | ▼ down 558 · -41% births |
| 2005 | #1076 | 221 | ▲ up 262 · +57% births |
| 2000 | #1338 | 141 | ▲ up 26 · +17% births |
| 1995 | #1364 | 121 | ▲ up 1051 · +137% births |
| 1990 | #2415 | 51 | ▲ up 636 · +70% births |
| 1985 | #3051 | 30 | ▼ down 904 · -37% births |
| 1980 | #2147 | 48 | ▲ up 408 · +55% births |
| 1975 | #2555 | 31 | ▼ down 402 · -18% births |
| 1970 | #2153 | 38 | — |
The story of Anisa
Anisa entered American naming records in 1958 and has been in use for over 66 years. With 5,164 total births recorded, Anisa remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #2153 in 1970 to #2139 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Anisa in 1967:
Anisa by decade
Anisa peaked in the 1960s. See all 1960s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1950s | 7 | |
| 1960s | 189 | |
| 1970s | 357 | |
| 1980s | 356 | |
| 1990s | 1,121 | |
| 2000s ★ | 1,876 | |
| 2010s | 1,178 | |
| 2020s | 80 | |
💎With 5,164 total births, Anisa is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Anisa?
Famous people named Anisa
A(
Anisa (Quranic figure)
Anisa appears in the Quran or Hadith, giving this name deep Islamic spiritual significance.
A(
Anisa (Islamic scholar)
Anisa bore this name in the Golden Age of Islam, when Arabic names carried prestige across the known world.
A(
Anisa (Sufi mystic)
Anisa used this name in the tradition of Islamic mysticism and spirituality.
A(
Anisa (Islamic scholar)
Anisa bore this name in the Golden Age of Islam, when Arabic names carried prestige across the known world.
👑
Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Anisa?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Anisa also consider these
How is Anisa written in other languages?
What are the boy versions of Anisa?
Common questions about the name Anisa
What does the name Anisa mean?
Anisa means "Companion; friend." — a name rooted in Arabic 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 Anisa?
Anisa is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Anisa?
Anisa originates from Arabic tradition. Arabic names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Anisa?
Anisa is a three-syllable name pronounced AE0 N IY1 S AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Anisa?
Anisa pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Arabic heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.