What does Anissa mean and where does it come from?
Anissa is a name of Arabic origin that means companion or close friend, which connects to its use throughout Arabic-speaking countries. In France, the name is often adapted and appreciated for its beautiful sound and meaning. Notable individuals with this name include Anissa Khedher, a prominent Fre
Cultural significance
Anissa has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Arabic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of companion.
Peak popularity
Reached #348 in 1971 — currently #3071 in the US.
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Related Reading
Arabic-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Anissa?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Anissa?
Anissa works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Anissa Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Anissa Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Anissa Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Anissa Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Anissa Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Anissa Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Anissa right now?
Falling — down 405 spots — currently #3071 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #3071 | 53 | ▼ down 405 · -18% births |
| 2024 | #2666 | 65 | ▼ down 1284 · -92% births |
| 2023 | #1382 | 818 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2022 | #1387 | 798 | ▲ up 5 · +4% births |
| 2021 | #1392 | 768 | ▲ up 643 · +753% births |
| 2020 | #2035 | 90 | ▲ up 180 · +6% births |
| 2015 | #2215 | 85 | ▼ down 711 · -43% births |
| 2010 | #1504 | 149 | ▼ down 457 · -35% births |
| 2005 | #1047 | 228 | ▼ down 294 · -25% births |
| 2000 | #753 | 304 | ▼ down 155 · -19% births |
| 1995 | #598 | 376 | ▲ up 456 · +121% births |
| 1990 | #1054 | 170 | ▲ up 728 · +166% births |
| 1985 | #1782 | 64 | ▼ down 479 · -35% births |
| 1980 | #1303 | 98 | ▼ down 488 · -42% births |
| 1975 | #815 | 168 | — |
The story of Anissa
Anissa is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1966. A total of 12,160 babies have received this name. Once ranked #389 in 1970, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #1382 in 2023. Anissa is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Anissa in 1971:
Anissa by decade
Anissa peaked in the 1970s. See all 1970s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1960s | 1,352 | |
| 1970s | 3,049 | |
| 1980s | 747 | |
| 1990s ★ | 3,416 | |
| 2000s | 2,417 | |
| 2010s | 1,089 | |
| 2020s | 208 | |
What are good nicknames for Anissa?
CROATIAN
AnicaAnitaAnjaAnkaAnkicaNensi
Famous people named Anissa
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Anissa (Quranic figure)
Anissa appears in the Quran or Hadith, giving this name deep Islamic spiritual significance.
A(
Anissa (Islamic scholar)
Anissa bore this name in the Golden Age of Islam, when Arabic names carried prestige across the known world.
A(
Anissa (Sufi mystic)
Anissa used this name in the tradition of Islamic mysticism and spirituality.
A(
Anissa (Islamic scholar)
Anissa bore this name in the Golden Age of Islam, when Arabic names carried prestige across the known world.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2025
Explore →What names sound and feel like Anissa?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Anissa also consider these
How is Anissa written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Anissa
What does the name Anissa mean?
Anissa means "Companion" — 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 Anissa?
Anissa is currently a distinctive and less common name 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 Anissa?
Anissa 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 Anissa?
Anissa is a three-syllable name pronounced AN-IS-uh. 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 Anissa?
Anissa 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.