What does Anise mean and where does it come from?
Anise comes from the Arabic word 'anīs' (أنيس), referring to the spice of the same name. This name has gained popularity in English-speaking nations where it symbolizes a sense of sweetness and warmth. Anise is historically linked with culinary uses, herbal medicine, and symbolism of protection and
Cultural significance
Anise has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Arabic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of arabic.
Peak popularity
Reached #1434 in 1901 — currently #10176 in the US.
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Related Reading
Arabic-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Anise?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Anise?
Anise works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Anise Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Anise Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Anise Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Anise Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Anise Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Anise Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Anise right now?
Rising fast — up 5307 spots — currently #10176 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #10176 | 9 | ▲ up 5307 · +80% births |
| 2024 | #15483 | 5 | ▼ down 4222 · -37% births |
| 2023 | #11261 | 8 | ▲ up 1056 · +14% births |
| 2021 | #12317 | 7 | ▼ down 4397 · -46% births |
| 2020 | #7920 | 13 | ▲ up 97 · -7% births |
| 2015 | #8017 | 14 | ▼ down 2232 · -39% births |
| 2010 | #5785 | 23 | ▼ down 178 · +5% births |
| 2005 | #5607 | 22 | ▲ up 1999 · +69% births |
| 2000 | #7606 | 13 | ▼ down 1898 · -19% births |
| 1995 | #5708 | 16 | ▲ up 156 · +7% births |
| 1990 | #5864 | 15 | ▼ down 152 · +25% births |
| 1985 | #5712 | 12 | ▲ up 2529 · +71% births |
| 1980 | #8241 | 7 | ▲ up 934 · +40% births |
| 1975 | #9175 | 5 | ▼ down 4647 · -58% births |
| 1970 | #4528 | 12 | — |
The story of Anise
Anise has been a beloved American name for over 131 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1893. With 1,213 total births recorded, Anise remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #1686 in 1900, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #11261 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Anise in 1901:
Anise by decade
Anise peaked in the 1900s. See all 1900s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1890s | 5 | |
| 1900s | 14 | |
| 1910s | 56 | |
| 1920s | 94 | |
| 1930s | 75 | |
| 1940s | 67 | |
| 1950s | 119 | |
| 1960s | 77 | |
| 1970s | 111 | |
| 1980s | 108 | |
| 1990s | 152 | |
| 2000s ★ | 191 | |
| 2010s | 131 | |
| 2020s | 27 | |
💎With 1,213 total births, Anise is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Anise?
Famous people named Anise
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Anise (historical Arab ruler)
Anise held this name across the Umayyad or Abbasid Caliphates, spreading its use widely.
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Anise (Sufi mystic)
Anise used this name in the tradition of Islamic mysticism and spirituality.
A(
Anise (Islamic scholar)
Anise bore this name in the Golden Age of Islam, when Arabic names carried prestige across the known world.
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Anise (Quranic figure)
Anise appears in the Quran or Hadith, giving this name deep Islamic spiritual significance.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2025
Explore →What names sound and feel like Anise?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Anise also consider these
Common questions about the name Anise
What does the name Anise mean?
Anise means "Arabic" — 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 Anise?
Anise is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Anise?
Anise 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 Anise?
Anise is a two-syllable name pronounced AN-us. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Anise a common or rare name?
Anise is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.