Anna: Name Meaning, Origin, & Popularity

Girl name origins & meanings

What does Anna mean and stand for?

Meaning:

Hebrew: Gracious, merciful; gift of God's favor
Latin: Favor, grace
Dutch: Bringer of peace; hope

Gender: Female

Syllables: 2

Pronunciation: The name Anna is pronounced an-uh

The name Anna has Biblical origins, derived from the Hebrew name Hannah, which means "gracious" or "merciful." It was widely used in ancient Rome and has maintained its popularity throughout history, especially in Christian cultures, due to Saint Anne, mother of the Virgin Mary. The Latin form of Hannah, Anna derives from the Hebrew name chanan.

Girl name variations

Family name origins & meanings

Of uncertain origin: it occurs occasionally as a surname in England and Ireland, Italy, and Hungary, most probably being derived from the female personal name Anna, which comes through Latin and Greek from the Biblical Hebrew name Hanna.

Famous people with this first name

Anna Chlumsky

Anna Faris

Anna Paquin

Famous people who gave their babies this name

Anna in Pop Culture

Do you know these fictional characters that share this first name?

Anna from Frozen - A spirited and optimistic princess searching for her estranged sister, Elsa.
Anna Bates from Downton Abbey - A kind and loyal lady's maid who strives to uphold justice and integrity.
Anna from Anna Karenina - The tragic heroine of Leo Tolstoyâ€™s classic novel, who struggles with her desires and societal norms.
Anna Scott from Notting Hill - A famous actress who unexpectedly falls in love with a bookstore owner.
Anna Milton from Supernatural - A fallen angel who regains her memories and embarks on a quest to reclaim her grace.

Popularity of the Name Anna

According to the Social Security Administration, Anna has been a perennial favorite, consistently appearing within the top 100 baby names in the U.S. for many decades. Its enduring appeal can be attributed to its classic and elegant simplicity, which crosses cultural and linguistic boundaries.

Historically, Anna is a name with deep roots, often associated with grace and compassion. Anna was embraced by Europeans due to Saint Anna, the Virgin Mary's mother.

Notable figures named Anna include Anna Pavlova, the famed Russian ballerina whose legacy continues to influence the world of dance today, and Anna Karenina, the titular character of Leo Tolstoy's epic novel, highlighting the name's literary significance. In contemporary times, actresses like Anna Kendrick, Anna Friel, and Anna Paquin bring a modern charm to the name, while fictional characters such as Anna from Disney's Frozen have introduced the name to a new generation, further solidifying its popularity among young parents and children alike.