Anna: Name Guide
Quick Summary: Anna is a female name of Hebrew origin, meaning "grace" or "favor". It has remained consistently popular across cultures for over two millennia due to its religious significance and elegant simplicity.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Origin | Hebrew (via Greek and Latin) |
| Meaning | Grace, favor |
| Gender | Female |
| Pronunciation | AN-uh (English), AH-nah (European) |
Etymology of Anna
Anna derives from the Hebrew name Hannah (חַנָּה), meaning "grace" or "favor". The name passed through Greek (Ἄννα) and Latin before entering European languages.
The name's root is the Hebrew word "chen" (חֵן), meaning "grace" or "favor", combined with the theophoric element acknowledging divine grace. In biblical tradition, Hannah was the mother of the prophet Samuel, known for her fervent prayer and faithfulness.
Anna emerged as a distinct form from Hannah through Greek transliteration, becoming standard in Christian tradition due to Saint Anne (Anna), the traditional name of the Virgin Mary's mother. This distinction led to Anna becoming dominant in Catholic and Orthodox regions, while Hannah remained more common in Protestant and Jewish communities, though both forms share the same etymological root.
History of Anna
Origins and Early Use
Anna appears in the New Testament as the prophetess Anna (Luke 2:36-38), who recognized the infant Jesus at the Temple. However, the name's prominence in Christian tradition primarily stems from Saint Anne, the mother of Mary, whose veneration spread throughout medieval Europe despite her name appearing only in apocryphal texts rather than canonical scripture.
Rise to Popularity
The name gained widespread use across Europe during the Middle Ages through royal and noble bearers. Its simplicity and religious associations made it a perennial favorite across social classes.
| Era | Event | Impact on Name |
|---|---|---|
| 12th-15th centuries | Cult of Saint Anne flourishes in medieval Europe | Becomes standard name across Catholic regions |
| 16th-19th centuries | Multiple European queens and princesses bear the name | Associated with royalty and nobility |
| 19th-20th centuries | Anna Karenina (1878) and other literary works | Reinforces sophisticated, classic image |
Modern Usage
Anna has maintained steady popularity in the United States since records began in 1880, never falling below the top 200. Unlike many names that experience dramatic rises and falls, Anna demonstrates remarkable stability. In the 2020s, it ranks in the top 100, appealing to parents seeking a timeless name that avoids trendy sounds.
The name's consistency across cultures—pronounced similarly in English, German, Italian, Spanish, and Slavic languages—contributes to its enduring appeal in an increasingly multicultural society.
Key insight: This name rose because of deep religious significance and royal patronage across multiple European cultures, and has stabilized as a classic choice that signals tradition and elegance without being dated.
Why people choose this name: People tend to choose Anna when they want to convey timeless grace and cross-cultural accessibility, especially in contexts involving tradition, family heritage, and understated sophistication.
Variants of Anna
| Language | Form | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| English | Anne, Ann | Shorter forms, Ann less common today |
| French | Anne | Pronounced "AHN" |
| Spanish | Ana | Single 'n' spelling |
| German | Anna | Pronounced "AH-nah" |
| Italian | Anna | Same spelling, different pronunciation |
| Russian | Анна (Anna), Anya | Anya is diminutive form |
| Polish | Anna, Ania | Ania is diminutive |
| Hungarian | Anna, Annus, Panni | Multiple diminutive forms |
For digital IDs, shorter forms tend to be more practical than full international variants. Consider length, spelling clarity, and memorability.
Nicknames
Annie, Ann, Anne, Nan, Nancy (historically), Anya (Slavic)
Similar Names
- Hannah - Original Hebrew form, increasingly popular in English-speaking countries
- Grace - English translation of Anna's meaning
- Eve - Another short, biblical name with similar elegance
Anna Popularity
US Rankings (SSA Data)
| Decade | Rank | Births |
|---|---|---|
| 1900s | #3 | 6,114 |
| 1920s | #10 | 14,581 |
| 1940s | #51 | 4,717 |
| 1960s | #104 | 4,659 |
| 1980s | #55 | 5,037 |
| 2000s | #22 | 10,613 |
| 2020s | #68 | 3,507 |
| 2024 | #94 | 2,700 |
Peak: 1880, ranked #2 (2,604 births)
Current (2024): #94 (2,700 births)
Trend analysis: Anna experienced a resurgence in the 1990s-2010s as parents sought classic names as alternatives to trendy options, though it has slightly declined from its 2000s peak as Hannah has risen in popularity.
Note: Popularity rankings reflect birth records and do not necessarily indicate current digital usage or username availability.
Anna as a Username
Availability
"anna" as a username is almost universally taken on major platforms due to its brevity and long-standing popularity. Variations are nearly always necessary.
Variations for IDs
| Style | Example | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | anna | Unavailable on most platforms |
| With numbers | anna24, anna2000 | Personal accounts |
| Abbreviated | ann, ana | Social media (if available) |
| Stylized | xanna, annax, annarose | Creative accounts, preserves sound |
| Combined | anna_marie, anna.lee | Professional, adds uniqueness |
Digital Impression
Anna as an ID tends to project:
- Classic sophistication - because of its long history and association with literature and royalty
- Cross-cultural accessibility - because it's recognizable and pronounceable in many languages
- Understated elegance - because of its simplicity and lack of trendy elements
Best for: Professional profiles, creative portfolios, international contexts where name recognition matters
Avoid if: you prefer highly unique or abstract usernames, or want something immediately available without modification.
Is Anna good for a username?
Anna works well as a username if you value timeless elegance and international recognition. However, due to its popularity and brevity (only four letters), you will almost certainly need variations like anna_marie, xanna, or anna2024 to secure availability on established platforms.
FAQ
What does Anna mean?
Anna means "grace" or "favor" from Hebrew, transmitted through Greek and Latin into European languages.
Is Anna popular?
According to SSA data, Anna ranks #94 in the US (2024) with 2,700 births. It remains consistently popular, having been in the top 100 for most of the past two centuries.
What are nicknames for Anna?
Common nicknames: Annie, Ann, Anne, Nan, Anya (Slavic contexts).
Is Anna a boy's or girl's name?
Anna is traditionally a female name, with no significant history of male usage.
How do you pronounce Anna?
Anna is typically pronounced AN-uh in English-speaking countries, and AH-nah in most European languages. The stress remains on the first syllable in all variants.
Is Anna good for a username?
Anna works well as a username if you value classic elegance and cross-cultural recognition, though availability will almost always require adding numbers, prefixes, or combining with other names.
Related Names
- Hannah - Original Hebrew form, shares identical meaning
- Grace - English name that translates Anna's meaning directly
- Anne - Shorter variant, often preferred for digital IDs due to even greater brevity
Sources: SSA Baby Names (ssa.gov), Oxford Dictionary of First Names, Behind the Name Last updated: February 2026