What does Anna mean and where does it come from?
Anna is derived from the Hebrew name חַנָּה (Hannah), which means 'grace' or 'favor.' The name appears in the Bible as the mother of the prophet Samuel. In Latin, Anna retains a similar meaning, emphasizing elegance or favor. The name has been consistently popular throughout history, particularly wi
Cultural significance
Anna has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hebrew-speaking communities, where it reflects values of grace.
Peak popularity
Reached #2 in 1880 — currently #79 in the US.
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Related Reading
Hebrew-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Anna?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Anna?
Anna works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Anna Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Anna Rose
Floral · soft ending
Anna Claire
French influence · crisp
Anna Jane
Literary · strong
Anna Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Anna right now?
Holding steady — currently #79 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #79 | 2,931 | ▲ up 4 · -1% births |
| 2022 | #83 | 2,958 | ▲ up 2 · -4% births |
| 2021 | #85 | 3,078 | ▼ down 17 · -12% births |
| 2020 | #68 | 3,479 | ▼ down 24 · -32% births |
| 2015 | #44 | 5,130 | ▼ down 18 · -19% births |
| 2010 | #26 | 6,329 | ▼ down 4 · -30% births |
| 2005 | #22 | 9,102 | stable · -14% births |
| 2000 | #22 | 10,589 | ▲ up 9 · +24% births |
| 1995 | #31 | 8,566 | ▲ up 14 · +18% births |
| 1990 | #45 | 7,288 | ▲ up 9 · +24% births |
| 1985 | #54 | 5,882 | ▲ up 1 · +17% births |
| 1980 | #55 | 5,034 | ▲ up 24 · +41% births |
| 1975 | #79 | 3,570 | ▲ up 23 · -6% births |
| 1970 | #102 | 3,796 | ▼ down 6 · -3% births |
| 1965 | #96 | 3,920 | — |
The story of Anna
Anna has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. It peaked at #2 in 1880, placing it among the top 10 most popular names. Over 903K babies have been given this name — a true American classic. Anna is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Anna in 1880:
Anna by decade
Anna peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 38,320 | |
| 1890s | 55,461 | |
| 1900s | 55,099 | |
| 1910s | 119,311 | |
| 1920s ★ | 124,289 | |
| 1930s | 66,887 | |
| 1940s | 41,441 | |
| 1950s | 41,829 | |
| 1960s | 41,042 | |
| 1970s | 37,940 | |
| 1980s | 57,573 | |
| 1990s | 78,671 | |
| 2000s | 90,331 | |
| 2010s | 51,161 | |
| 2020s | 3,484 | |
What are good nicknames for Anna?
CROATIAN
AnicaAnitaAnjaAnkaAnkicaNensi
Famous people named Anna
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Anna (historical figure)
Anna bore this name in the Biblical tradition, reflecting its deep roots in Hebrew scripture and culture.
A(
Anna (historical community leader)
Anna led communities across the ancient Near East who passed this name through generations.
A(
Anna (historical figure)
Anna bore this name in the Biblical tradition, reflecting its deep roots in Hebrew scripture and culture.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Anna?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Anna also consider these
How is Anna written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Anna
What does the name Anna mean?
Anna means "Grace" — 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 Anna?
Anna is currently ranked #79 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 Anna?
Anna 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.
How do you pronounce the name Anna?
Anna is a two-syllable name pronounced AA1 N AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Anna more of a girl or boy name?
Anna is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.