Anu

“small, minute” — Associated with the goddess of fertility and the earth

Hindu regions origin · Unisex name

♂ 9% boys♀ 91% girls

#5259US 2023

18Births / yr

↑Rising

279All-time births

📅 Since 197200

What does Anu mean and where does it come from?

Anu has dual origins, one in Hindu culture and one in Irish tradition. In Sanskrit, it translates to 'small' or 'minute', denoting a sense of petite beauty. In Irish, Anu is associated with the goddess of fertility and the earth, symbolizing grace and favor. The name has been admired for its brevity

Cultural significance

Anu has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hindu regions-speaking communities, where it reflects values of small, minute.

Peak popularity

Reached #7030 in 1975 — currently #5259 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Anu?

Anu works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Anu Grace

How popular is Anu right now?

Rising fast — up 3094 spots — currently #5259 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1975–2023#5259 · Top 3.9%

1975

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#5259	18	▲ up 3094 · +100% births
2022	#8353	9	▼ down 1629 · -25% births
2021	#6724	12	▲ up 536 · -20% births
2020	#7260	15	▲ up 7596 · +150% births
2015	#14856	6	▼ down 3379 · -33% births
2010	#11477	9	▲ up 656 · +13% births
2005	#12133	8	▼ down 1995 · -11% births
2000	#10138	9	▲ up 2170 · +50% births
1995	#12308	6	▼ down 1616 · -14% births
1990	#10692	7	▼ down 3662 · -12% births
1975	#7030	8	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Anu

Best Year2023Rank #5259

Peak Count18

Average Rank#9657

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1975 - 202311 years

The story of Anu

Anu is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1972. With 279 total births recorded, Anu remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #7030 in 1975 to #5259 in 2023. Anu is used for both genders: 91% female and 9% male.

Names that peaked alongside Anu in 1975:

Jennifer Amy Heather Melissa Angela

Anu by decade

Anu peaked in the 1970s. See all 1970s names →

Decade	Births
1970s	21
1980s	25
1990s	50
2000s	80
2010s ★	88
2020s	15

💎Anu has only 279 total recorded births since 1972 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Anu?

Common

AnAnieAny

What names sound and feel like Anu?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Anu also consider these

Anum

Pakistan · Meaning 'blessing' or

Banu

Turkey · Turkish/Persian

Anup

India · Sanskrit

Anuj

India · younger brother

Common questions about the name Anu

What does the name Anu mean?

Anu means "small, minute" — a name rooted in Hindu regions 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 Anu?

Anu is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Anu have increased significantly in recent years.

What is the cultural origin of Anu?

Anu originates from Hindu regions tradition. Hindu regions names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

Is Anu trending right now?

Anu is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.

Is Anu a common or rare name?

Anu is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.