Ana

Ana is the Spanish, Portuguese, and Slavic form of Anna, ultimately from the Hebrew Hannah, meaning "grace" or "favor." It's one of the most widely used feminine names across the Spanish-speaking world and Eastern Europe.

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What Does the Name Ana Mean?

Ana means "grace" or "favor," from the Hebrew Chanah (Hannah), by way of the Greek and Latin Anna.

The Origin & History of Ana

Hannah appears in the Hebrew Bible as the mother of the prophet Samuel; the name passed into Greek and Latin as Anna and split into national forms across Europe, with Ana becoming standard in Spanish, Portuguese, Croatian, and several other languages.

Cultural Reach

Ana is a top-tier name across Spain, Latin America, Portugal, and the Balkans, and it functions in the US as both a standalone name and a shorter form of Anna.

Famous People Named Ana

Notable bearers include Ana de Armas, the Cuban-Spanish actress known for Knives Out and Blonde, and Ana Ivanovic, the Serbian former world number one tennis player and French Open champion.

Nicknames & Variations

Anita is a common affectionate form. Anna, Hannah, and Anne are the name's equivalents in other languages.

Is Ana a Good Name in 2026?

Ana remains a clean, classic, internationally recognized choice, popular in Spanish-speaking households and beyond.

Ana ranked #204 among US girls' names in 2024 SSA data, with 1,497 girls given the name.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Ana mean?

Ana means "grace" or "favor," from the Hebrew Hannah by way of Anna.

Is Ana the same name as Anna?

Yes -- Ana is the Spanish, Portuguese, and Slavic spelling of Anna.

Is Ana a common name in Spain?

Yes -- Ana is consistently one of the most popular girls' names across Spain and Latin America.

What is a nickname for Ana?

Anita is the most common affectionate nickname for Ana.

Popularity of the name Ana in the US

1991 · 2,672 babies · rank #245 (2,652 girls, 20 boys)