This millennial first name is making a comeback: why 1 in 140 girls wear it today

The first name Anna, with its sober and classic elegance, continues to seduce parents around the world in 2024. Anchored in history and culture for centuries, this feminine first name embodies both refined simplicity and timeless power. Worn by influential personalities, literary heroines and religious figures, Anna retains a unique aura that transcends passing fashions.

A first name of Hebrew origin

The name Anna has its roots in Hebrew tradition, deriving from the name Hannah, which means “grace” or “favor” in Hebrew. It is often associated with the idea of ​​gentleness and kindness. This deep meaning has contributed to the longevity of this name through the ages, making Anna a popular choice both for its spiritual meaning and its phonetic beauty.

Breton tradition says that Saint Anne was born in Brittany, that she went to Judea to marry Joachim, and that she returned to end her days in her native country. Before she became the very popular patroness of Brittany, and long before the beginnings of Christianity, the Gauls worshiped Ana, the mother goddess of Fertility and the Celtic gods. Her assimilation to Saint Anne, the mother of Mary in the Bible, has thickened the part of mystery associated with her.

A timeless first name that spans the ages

This first name used in the East in the first centuries is very much attributed to the Middle Ages in the Christian world. The Anna form spread from the 18th century in Western countries and quickly competed for the supremacy of Anne in English-speaking countries. Today, this sure value is returning almost everywhere in Europe, in Russia and in Spanish-speaking countries. Anna consolidates her position in the 5 favorite choices of Parisians and continues to progress at the national level in 2024. She has also climbed into the top 40 ranks of the French-speaking, Quebec and Walloon rankings.

One of Anna’s great strengths lies in her universality. Whether in Europe, America, Asia or elsewhere, Anna is present in many cultures, often with similar spellings (Ana, Anne). In 2024, while globalization promotes cultural exchanges and openness, choosing such a universal first name makes it possible to transcend borders and linguistic differences. In addition, with the rise of short and simple first names, Anna fits perfectly into this modern trend while maintaining a traditional side.

Personalities bearing the first name Anna

Many historical and contemporary figures bearing the first name Anna have left their mark in various fields such as politics, art, literature and music. Among them, we can cite:

• Anna Pavlova, one of Russia’s greatest ballerinas, whose name remains synonymous with grace and artistic excellence.
• Anna Freud, British psychoanalyst of Austrian origin (1895-1982)
• Anna Wintour, iconic editor-in-chief of Vogue, a key figure in the fashion world.
• Anna Akhmatova, world-renowned Russian poet, whose works marked the literary history of the 20th century.

Anna’s popularity in 2024

Trends in female names often tend to oscillate between new and old names, and Anna manages to stay at the top of the charts in several countries. In French-speaking countries such as France, Belgium or Canada, Anna is often chosen for its character that is both modern and timeless. It combines tradition and accessibility, which appeals to many parents who want to give their child a first name that is both meaningful and easy to wear.

At the same time, the influence of the media and popular culture continues to support the notoriety of this first name. Characters from films, series and novels bearing the first name Anna have made their mark over the last few decades, reinforcing its image of elegance and femininity. For example, Queen Anna from Disney’s Frozen helped make it even more appealing to a new generation of parents.

Slide: Top 10 symbolic female first names