What Does the Name Anna Mean?
Anna derives from the Hebrew Channah (Hannah), meaning 'grace' or 'favor,' by way of its Greek and Latin form. The same root underlies Hannah, Ann, and Anne, making Anna part of one of the most widespread name families in the English-speaking and European world.
The Origin & History of Anna
In Christian tradition, Saint Anne (Anna) is honored as the mother of the Virgin Mary, which helped spread the name across Europe through centuries of religious naming practice. It has also been a staple of Russian, German, Scandinavian, and Southern European naming traditions largely independent of any single literary source, appearing everywhere from Tolstoy's 'Anna Karenina' to countless European royal houses.
Popularity in the United States
Anna has remained a consistent US top-200 name for well over a century, a rare feat shared by very few names — it never had the explosive peak of a trend name, but it also never truly fell out of use.
Personality & Associations
Anna feels timeless, warm, and unpretentious — short enough to be simple, but carried by centuries of literary and royal namesakes that give it real depth. It pairs easily across cultures and languages, which adds to its enduring international appeal.
Famous People Named Anna
Actress Anna Kendrick, known for 'Pitch Perfect' and 'Up in the Air,' is among the name's best-known contemporary bearers.
Nicknames & Variations
Annie is the classic nickname. Closely related forms include Ann, Anne, Hannah, and Anya, the Russian diminutive.