Anna: Name Day, Name Meaning & More

Name days are traditional celebrations marking the feast day associated with a person's given name, often rooted in historical religious calendars across Europe. The name Anna carries significant historical weight, particularly in the USA, where it remains a celebrated classic. Its origin is linked to concepts of grace and divine favor, defining its inherently benevolent meaning. The overall mood associated with Anna is one of sophisticated elegance and quiet strength. Furthermore, Anna is commemorated on numerous name days throughout the year, including popular dates such as July 26th and December 9th across many different countries.

Name Day: Dates by Country

Anna's name day is celebrated
on February 9 in Austria,
February 16 in Russia,
February 23 in Russia,
April 8 in Russia,
July 18 in Russia,
July 25 in Bulgaria and Greece,
July 26 in Austria, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Norway, Poland, Slovakia and the USA,
August 7 in Poland,
December 9 in Bulgaria, Finland, Greece and Sweden and
December 22 in Russia.

The Story Behind This Name

Anna is a timeless classic that has maintained remarkable popularity in the United States for well over a century. It saw its peak popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, consistently appearing among the top 20 names. Though its peak ranking has shifted over time, Anna has demonstrated strong generational appeal and has rarely fallen out of the top 100. Historically, its simplicity and elegance cemented its status among American families and ensured its sustained use. In recent decades, it remains a highly favored choice, embodying tradition without feeling dated.

Name origin and meaning

The name Anna is derived directly from the ancient Hebrew name Hannah. This original form carried the deeply significant definition of “grace” or “favor.” It migrated into Western Europe through Greek and Latin translations while largely retaining its core meaning. The name's pure and simple two-syllable structure allowed it to be easily adopted across numerous linguistic boundaries. Consequently, Anna is recognized globally for its historical depth and universally benevolent definition of grace.

Name Identity: Gender Classification

Anna is overwhelmingly classified as a strictly feminine name across nearly all cultures worldwide. This identity is firm and consistent throughout Europe, the Americas, and any region where the name is used. There are essentially no recognized examples of Anna being used as a traditional masculine or unisex identifier. While phonetic similarities exist with some masculine names in other languages, the spelling Anna is reserved exclusively for female designation. Its strong association with classic female figures reinforces its standing as a universally feminine choice.

The Name Effect: Mood, Tone & Personality

The name Anna evokes a distinctly classic and elegant mood, often perceived as refined yet approachable. It projects a strong sense of timeless sophistication due to its widespread historical use and cultural reverence. The short, crisp sound gives it an impression of quiet strength and reliability. This name suggests a thoughtful and universally respected personality that avoids being overtly complicated. Anna maintains a graceful, slightly traditional, and beautifully understated aura.

A Name’s Journey Through Languages

Anna - English (Classic and widely used)
Anna - German (Same spelling, same pronunciation)
Anna - Spanish (Same spelling, softer pronunciation)
Anna - Italian (Same as Spanish, melodic tone)
Anne - French (Shorter, distinct pronunciation)
Anna - Dutch (Same spelling, slightly different accent)
Anna - Swedish (Common, slightly softer 'A' sound)
Ánna - Hungarian (Accent mark changes emphasis)
Hannah - Hebrew (Related variant, different spelling)
Ania - Polish (Diminutive, more informal)

Charming Nicknames for Anna: A Delightful Collection

Anna is a timeless and elegant name, and over the years, many charming nicknames have emerged from it. Whether playful, stylish, or affectionate, these nicknames add a unique touch while keeping the essence of the original name. Below is a selection of the most popular and beloved nicknames for Anna.

Popular Nicknames for Anna

Annie – A sweet and classic choice that adds warmth and friendliness.
Anna-Belle – A whimsical twist that gives the name a melodic and fancy feel.
Ann – A simple yet sophisticated short form of Anna.
Anya – A slightly exotic and stylish variation with a modern touch.
Nina – A soft and charming nickname that gives Anna a fresh sound.
Nan – A vintage and cozy option that carries a nostalgic charm.
Nani – A cute and playful nickname that sounds affectionate.
Anouk – A unique and chic take on Anna, adding a European flair.
Anka – A bold and distinctive alternative with a strong character.
Anita – A slightly extended yet affectionate nickname with a graceful tone.

Notable and famous people: Anna

Anna Wintour – British Vogue editor-in-chief, fashion icon.
Anna Kendrick – American actress, starred in *Pitch Perfect*.
Anna Paquin – Canadian-New Zealand actress, won an Oscar.
Anna Kournikova – American-Russian tennis player, famous for doubles.
Anna Netrebko – Austrian soprano, renowned opera singer.
Anna Faris – American actress, known for comedy roles.
Anna Chlumsky – American actress, starred in *Veep*.
Anna Calvi – British singer-songwriter, unique rock musician.
Anna Friel – British actress, famous for *Pushing Daisies*.
Anna Deavere Smith – American playwright, actress, and professor.

The Many Faces of Anna: Inspiring Women Named Anna in Music, Sports, Science, and the Arts

What do an opera star, a snowboarder, and a quantum physicist have in common? They all share the name Anna and have impacted the world in powerful ways. This article highlights diverse and influential women named Anna across different fields.

Read the article: The Many Faces of Anna: Inspiring Women Named Anna in Music, Sports, Science, and the Arts

Did You Know? Anna is Also a City in Illinois!

Did you know that Anna isn’t just a popular given name but also a charming little city in Illinois, USA? Nestled in the southern part of the state, Anna is a small but welcoming town with a tight-knit community. It’s not a big metropolis or the state capital, but it has its own unique charm, offering a slice of classic Midwestern life. Surrounded by beautiful nature, Anna is close to the scenic Shawnee National Forest, making it a great spot for outdoor lovers. Whether you know an Anna or are just curious about places that share people's names, this little city proves that some names leave their mark in more ways than one!

A Perfect Mirror of Itself: Anna

This name is a palindrome, meaning you can read it the same way forward and backward. Such names have a unique symmetry, making them visually and phonetically appealing. They are relatively rare and often stand out due to their balanced structure. This unique trait enhances its appeal and makes it more memorable.

Unlocking the Hidden Meaning of Name: Anna

Your name is more than just a label - it holds a unique energy that influences your personality, destiny, and life path. Through numerology and astrology, we uncover the deeper meanings behind your name, revealing your strengths, challenges, and the energy you bring into the world.

Pythagorean Numerology: The Hidden Meaning of Name

Destiny number: 3 – The Communicator.
Keywords: Creativity, joy, social expression, charisma, inspiration.
Positive Traits: Artistic, optimistic, outgoing, charming, entertaining.
Challenges: Can be superficial, scattered, or struggle with focus and discipline.
Life Path Meaning: A life of creative expression, communication, and optimism.

Chaldean Numerology: Name Energy and Spiritual Insights

First name number: 3 - The communicator.
Traits: Creative, expressive, social, optimistic.
Strengths: Charismatic, artistic, talented in communication and writing.
Challenges: Can be scattered, superficial, or struggle with discipline.

The Cosmic Secret Code: What The Name Says About You

The name is linked to the planet that governs it, shaping the name's meaning and influencing the traits associated with it.
Planet: Jupiter - Expansion, Luck, Wisdom.
Jupiter is the planet of abundance, wisdom, and higher learning. Names ruled by Jupiter are often linked to individuals with a strong sense of optimism, generosity, and a love for adventure. These names carry a vibration of success, good fortune, and the pursuit of knowledge. People with Jupiter-ruled names often have a philosophical mindset and a natural ability to inspire others.

Name days: Name Anna

This list shows name days in different countries where the name is written in the same form. The dates are based on traditional calendars and cultural name celebrations. If your name matches exactly, you can see when it is honored in various parts of the world.

Country	Month	Day	Name days
Austria	February	9	Alto, Anna, Apollonia, Katharina, Katharine
Russia	February	16	Anna
Russia	February	23	Anna, Valentina
Russia	April	8	Alla, Anna
Russia	July	18	Anna
Bulgaria	July	25	Ana, Anica, Anna, Enko, Yana
Greece	July	25	Anna, Olympias
Austria	July	26	Anna, Gloria, Joachim
Czechia	July	26	Anna
Denmark	July	26	Anna
Estonia	July	26	Anete, Anita, Ann, Anna, Anne, Anneli, Anni, Annika, Anu
Germany	July	26	Anna, Joachim
Hungary	July	26	Anikó, Anna
Italy	July	26	Anna, Gioacchino
Latvia	July	26	Ance, Aneta, Anna, Annija
Norway	July	26	Ane, Anna, Anne
Poland	July	26	Anna, Bartolomea, Grażyna, Mirosława
Slovakia	July	26	Anna
USA	July	26	Ana, Anika, Anissa, Anita, Aniya, Aniyah, Ann, Anna, Anne, Annette, Annie, Annika, Annis, Annmarie, Anson, Anya, Blake, Hanna, Hannah, Nancy, Nanette, Nina
Poland	August	7	Albert, Alberta, Albertyna, Anna, Dobiemir, Donat, Donata, Doris, Dorota, Kajetan
Bulgaria	December	9	Ana, Anelia, Aneta, Anica, Anna, Anushka, Nusha, Yana
Finland	December	9	Anna, Anne, Anneli, Anni, Annika, Annikki, Annu, Annukka, Anu
Greece	December	9	Anna
Sweden	December	9	Anna
Russia	December	22	Anna

Name days: Similar names (Anna)

Here you’ll find name days for names that are similar in spelling, pronunciation, or origin. Many cultures group related names together, even if they are not identical. If your name has a close variation, you may find relevant name day dates in this section.

Country	Month	Day	Name days
Norway	January	5	Hanna, Hanne
Poland	January	5	Edward, Emilian, Emiliusz, Hanna, Symeon, Szymon, Telesfor, Włościbor
Sweden	January	5	Hanna, Hannele
USA	January	5	Ladarius, Ladd, Laird, Lamont, Lane, Tania, Tanya, Tatiana, Tatyana, Tawni, Tawnya, Tia, Tiana, Tianna, Tonya
Greece	January	7	Gianna, Giannis, Ioannis, Ivana, Jeannette, John, Prodromos
Poland	January	9	Antoni, Bazylissa, Borzymir, Julian, Julianna, Marcelina, Marcjanna
USA	January	12	Alain, Alaina, Alan, Alana, Alanna, Alayna, Allan, Allen, Allena, Lana, Lanna
Ukraine	January	24	Roxanna, Roxoliana
Poland	January	25	Miłosz, Miłowan, Miłowit, Paweł, Tacjanna, Tatiana
Poland	January	29	Franciszek Salezy, Gilda, Hanna, Walerian, Waleriana, Waleriusz, Zdzisław
Poland	February	2	Joanna, Korneliusz, Maria, Miłosława
Poland	February	4	Andrzej, Gilbert, Jan, Joanna, Józef, Mariusz, Weronika, Witosława
USA	February	13	Darcie, Darcy, Kia, Kiana, Kianna
USA	February	15	Georgette, Georgia, Georgina, Jovan, Jovita, Siegfried, Sigrid, Sue, Susan, Susana, Susanna, Susie, Suzanne
Hungary	February	16	Julianna, Lilla
Poland	February	16	Bernard, Dan, Danisz, Danuta, Julianna, Symeon
Ukraine	February	16	Marianna, Theodore
USA	February	17	Jordan, Jordana, Jordanne, Jorden, Jordon, Jordyn, Leroy, Reggie, Reginald, Regis, Rex, Rexanna, Rexford, Rexine, Roy, Royce
Italy	February	18	Marianna, Severa
Poland	February	18	Albert, Alberta, Albertyna, Fryda, Konstancja, Krystiana, Maksym, Sawa, Sylwan, Sylwana, Symeon, Więcesława, Zula, Zuzanna
Hungary	February	19	Zsuzsanna
Latvia	February	19	Zane, Zuzanna, Zuze
USA	February	26	Levi, Nestor, Savana, Savanna, Savannah
Greece	February	28	Kyra, Marianna
Poland	March	1	Albin, Antoni, Antonina, Budzisz, Budzisław, Eudokia, Eudoksja, Ewdokia, Feliks, Herakles, Herkules, Jewdocha, Joanna, Józef, Nikifor, Piotr
Poland	March	4	Adrian, Adrianna, Arkadiusz, Arkady, Eugeniusz, Kazimierz, Lew, Lucja, Lucjusz, Wacław, Wacława, Łucja
Ukraine	March	4	Julianna, Ulianna
Poland	March	5	Adrian, Adrianna, Fryderyk, Jan, Pakosz, Pakosław, Wacław, Wacława
Ukraine	March	10	Ann, Diodor, Hannah, Isidora
Hungary	March	28	Gedeon, Johanna
Sweden	April	3	Ferdinand, Nanna
Norway	April	4	Nancy, Nanna, Nina
USA	April	8	Gillian, Jill, Jillian, Jolyon, Julia, Julian, Juliana, Julianna, Julianne, Julie, Julien, Juliet, Juliette, Julio, Julissa, Julius
Finland	April	12	Janna, Janni, Julia, Juliaana, Julius, Juuli, Juulia
Poland	April	14	Berenike, Julianna, Justyn, Maria, Myślimir, Tyburcjusz, Walerian, Waleriana
USA	April	18	Anthea, Ayana, Ayanna, Warner, Werner
USA	April	23	Brayan, Breana, Breanna, Breanne, Brian, Briana, Brianna, Brianne, Brielle, Brien, Briona, Bryan, Bryana, Bryanna, Bryant, Brynn, Bryon, Shirlee, Shirleen, Shirley
Poland	May	12	Domicela, Domicjan, Dominik, Epifani, Flawia, Jan, Jazon, Joanna, Pankracy, Wszemił
Ukraine	May	19	Pollyanna
Poland	May	24	Cieszysława, Estera, Jan, Joanna, Maria, Mokij, Wincenty, Zula, Zuzanna
Poland	May	26	Beda, Filip, Marianna, Paulina, Wilhelmina, Więcemił
USA	May	29	Duana, Duane, Duanna, Dwayne, Fitz, Fitzerald
Austria	May	30	Ferdinand, Johanna, Otto
Poland	May	30	Andonik, Feliks, Ferdynand, Joanna, Sulimir
USA	May	30	Fawn, Ferdinand, Ferdinanda, Ferdinando, Fern, Fernanda, Fernando, Joan, Joani, Joann, Joanna, Joanne, Johanna
Poland	June	2	Efrem, Erazm, Eugeniusz, Marcelin, Maria, Marianna, Mikołaj, Nicefor, Piotr, Racisław
Austria	June	9	Annamaria, Ephraim, Grazia
USA	June	9	Cole, Coleman, Colman, Dean, Deana, Deanna, Dee, Dena, Diana, Diane, Dianna, Dianne, Dyane, Prima, Primavera
Poland	June	19	Borzysław, Gerwazy, Julianna, Odo, Protazy, Sylweriusz
Norway	June	21	Agnar, Annar
Ukraine	June	24	Bohuslav, Bohuslava, Boris, Boryslav, Boryslava, Ivan, Jean, Joan, Johanna, John, Slavka, Slavko, Yvonna
USA	June	24	Giovanna, Giovanni, Hans, Ian, Ivan, Jan, Jana, Jean, Jeanette, Jeannette, Johan, John, Johnnie, Johnny, Juan, Juana, Juanita, Sean, Shana, Shane, Shanna, Yancy
USA	June	30	Jaheim, Leanna, Leanne, Lia, Liana
Hungary	July	1	Annamária, Tihamér
Ukraine	July	4	Bohdanna
Poland	July	8	Adrian, Adrianna, Chwalimir, Edgar, Elżbieta, Eugeniusz, Kilian, Prokop, Wirginia
Finland	July	9	Ilta, Jade, Jasmiina, Jasmin, Nanna
Norway	July	16	Sanna, Susanne
Finland	July	21	Hanna, Hanne, Hannele, Jenna, Jenni, Joanna, Johanna, Jonna
Sweden	July	21	Johanna
France	July	26	Anne, Hannah, Joachin
Austria	August	11	Klara, Susanna
Estonia	August	11	Sanna, Sanne, Susanna, Suusi
Finland	August	11	Sanna, Sanni, Susanna, Susanne
Hungary	August	11	Tiborc, Zsuzsanna
Poland	August	11	Aleksander, Herman, Ligia, Lukrecja, Włodzimierz, Włodziwoj, Zula, Zuzanna
Sweden	August	11	Susanna
Ukraine	August	11	Susanna
Poland	August	13	Diana, Dianna, Gertruda, Helena, Hipolit, Hipolita, Jan, Kasjan, Radomiła, Wojbor
Estonia	August	15	Hanna, Jaana, Jaanika, Jana, Janika, Janne, Jenny, Johanna, Nanna
Finland	August	15	Jaana, Jatta, Marianna, Marianne, Marita, Maritta, Marja, Marjaana, Marjatta, Marjo, Marju, Marjukka, Marjut
Poland	August	17	Anastazja, Angelika, Anita, Bertram, Eliza, Jacek, Jaczewoj, Joanna, Julianna, Liberat, Miron, Zawisza, Żanna
Poland	August	21	Adolf, Adolfa, Adolfina, Alf, Bernard, Emilian, Filipina, Franciszek, Joanna, Kazimiera, Męcimir
USA	August	21	Gianna, Jane, Janelle, Janessa, Janet, Janette, Janice, Janie, Janine, Janiya, Jayne, Shanice, Sheena
Poland	August	24	Bartłomiej, Cieszymir, Jerzy, Joanna, Malina, Michalina
Poland	August	26	Dobroniega, Joanna, Konstanty, Maksym, Maria, Wiktorian, Zefir, Zefiryn, Zefiryna
Latvia	August	28	Auguste, Guste, Ranna
Poland	September	4	Agatonik, Ida, Lilianna, Rozalia, Rościgniew, Róża
Slovakia	September	7	Marianna
Estonia	September	8	Mariann, Marianna, Marianne
Poland	September	8	Adrian, Adrianna, Klementyna, Maria, Nestor, Radosław, Radosława
USA	September	8	Adria, Adrian, Adriana, Adrianna, Adrien, Adrienne, Hadria, Hadrian, Hadrien, Joachim, Joakima, Joaquin, Joaquina
USA	September	10	Anabel, Annabel, Annabella, Annabelle, Arnie, Arnold, Arnolda, Arnoldo, Pulcheria
USA	September	17	Ariadne, Ariana, Arianna, Hildegard, Hildegarde, Lambert, Lambertine
USA	September	19	Monroe, Morgan, Morgann, Morganna, Morganne, Precious, Sawyer
Latvia	September	20	Guntra, Marianna
Hungary	November	1	Marianna
USA	November	17	Annalisa, Annelisa, Annelise, Hilda, Hildie, Hildy
Ukraine	November	18	Roma, Roman, Romanna, Romano, Romona
Poland	December	2	Adria, Aurelia, Balbina, Bibianna, Paulina, Sulisław, Wiktoryn, Zbylut
Austria	December	12	Johanna
Germany	December	12	Johanna
Italy	December	12	Giovanna Francesca di Chantal
Latvia	December	15	Jana, Johanna
Ukraine	December	21	Eva, Eve, Julianna, Ulianna
USA	December	21	Estella, Estelle, Ester, Esther, Star, Stella, Van, Vance, Vanesa, Vaness, Vanna

Anna an Enduring Classic of Grace

Anna stands as a highly enduring and traditionally feminine name cherished both in the USA and globally. Its historical foundation rooted in meanings related to grace provides a deeply positive and favorable linguistic background. The name projects a mood of sophisticated elegance, blending classic appeal with approachable simplicity. As an exclusively female designation worldwide, Anna is a universally understood and classic choice. Finally, its wide variety of international name day celebrations underlines its prominence across diverse cultural calendars throughout the year.

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