Anna
“The direct Latin and Greek form of Hannah, meaning 'grace' or 'favor,' Anna extends the simplicity of Ann with a single additional vowel that opens the name into elegance and internationalism. Borne by saints, royalty, and literary heroines across cultures, Anna feels both timeless and universally accessible. Its gentle, lyrical quality and cross-cultural recognition make it endlessly appealing.”
Anna is a girl's name of Hebrew origin. The direct Latin and Greek form of Hannah, meaning 'grace' or 'favor,' Anna extends the simplicity of Ann with a single additional vowel that opens the name into elegance and internationalism. Borne by saints, royalty, and literary heroines across cultures, Anna feels both timeless and universally accessible. Its gentle, lyrical quality and cross-cultural recognition make it endlessly appealing.
One of the most internationally recognized and consistently popular names worldwide; has appeared in the top 100 baby names across multiple generations and countries.
The name Anna has roots in the Hebrew language tradition. It derives from elements meaning “The direct Latin and Greek form of Hannah, meaning 'grace' or 'favor,' Anna extends the simplicity of Ann with a single additional vowel that opens the name into elegance and internationalism”.
Cultural context: One of the most internationally recognized and consistently popular names worldwide; has appeared in the top 100 baby names across multiple generations and countries.
As a girl's name, Anna carries the character of its Hebrew heritage while remaining a distinctive and uncommon choice for parents seeking something unique.
Anna Karenina
FictionalRussianTolstoy's tragic protagonist; symbol of passion and social conflict
The tragic protagonist of Leo Tolstoy's 1877 novel of the same name. She is a Russian aristocrat whose affair and moral struggles exemplify the complexities of love, society, and personal fulfillment in 19th-century Russia.
From: Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy (1877)
Anna Wintour
BusinessBritishVogue editor-in-chief; fashion industry icon; media powerhouse
British-American editor-in-chief of Vogue since 1989. She is one of the most influential figures in fashion and publishing, known for her distinctive sunglasses and her transformative impact on the fashion industry.
1949 – present
Anna Pavlova
EntertainmentRussianPrima ballerina; created 'The Dying Swan'; ballet ambassador
Russian prima ballerina of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, best known for creating and performing the iconic solo 'The Dying Swan.' She was a principal dancer with the Imperial Ballet and helped popularize ballet worldwide through extensive international tours.
1881 – 1931
Anna Pavlovna
HistoricalRussianRussian Empress; expanded territory; patron of arts
Russian Empress who ruled Russia from 1730 to 1740. She expanded Russian territory, strengthened the military, and commissioned significant cultural institutions during her reign.
1693 – 1740
What does the name Anna mean?
Anna means "The direct Latin and Greek form of Hannah, meaning 'grace' or 'favor,' Anna extends the simplicity of Ann with a single additional vowel that opens the name into elegance and internationalism. Borne by saints, royalty, and literary heroines across cultures, Anna feels both timeless and universally accessible. Its gentle, lyrical quality and cross-cultural recognition make it endlessly appealing.", and is of Hebrew origin.
Is Anna a girl name?
Anna is primarily used as a girl's name.
What is the origin of the name Anna?
Anna is of Hebrew origin. One of the most internationally recognized and consistently popular names worldwide; has appeared in the top 100 baby names across multiple generations and countries.