Anna

Anna is a classic girl’s name of Hebrew origin that acts as the sweet alternative to the more traditional name Hannah. Rooted deeply in ancient history, the name comes from the Hebrew verb ḥannan, meaning “favor” or “grace.” Because of this, the moniker carries a sense of kindness, love and compassion.

Anna has a truly timeless, international appeal. It has traveled effortlessly around the globe, keeping its graceful sound and simple spelling across countless languages. Modern parents will easily recognize the name from pop culture as the fiercely loyal, optimistic younger sister in Disney's Frozen, giving your little girl a built-in connection to a beloved on-screen princess.

Ultimately, Anna is a gem that ages wonderfully. It fits a bubbly toddler just as naturally as it does an accomplished professional—a sentiment echoed by The Bump forum member D&K102508: "It was totally the name for us. We had always discussed how beautiful and classic it was, and we loved how it was perfect for a little girl, but also a woman."

Fun Facts About the Name Anna

• A perfect palindrome: Alongside names like Ava and Otto, Anna is a palindrome, meaning it’s spelled exactly the same way forward and backward. This symmetrical structure gives the name a balanced harmony that makes it easy for little hands to learn how to write!
• Historical popularity peak: While Anna feels fresh and modern today, it has been a powerhouse name in the US for generations. When the Social Security Administration (SSA) first began tracking baby name data in the 1880s, Anna was crowned the second most popular name for girls in America, just behind Mary.
• A global chameleon: Because of its simple structure, Anna transitions seamlessly across borders. It has evolved into a family of beloved cultural variants, including Ana in Spanish and Anya in Russian. No matter where your child travels, their name will be recognized and celebrated.