Ana is a name of Spanish origin that comes from the Hebrew word "Hannah," which means "grace" or "favor." It has been used as a name for centuries and was popularized in Spain by the Catholic saints Ana of Austria and Anne of Beaujeu.
In medieval times, Anna was often used as a diminutive form of the name Anna or Ann. However, over time, it evolved into an independent given name with its own unique identity. Today, Ana is a popular choice for parents looking for a classic yet distinctive name for their daughters.
One notable historical figure named Ana was Ana de Saint-Bieu, who was burned at the stake as a Protestant martyr during the French wars of religion in 1549. Her story serves as a reminder of the persecution faced by religious minorities throughout history.
Overall, the name Ana has a rich and varied history that spans continents and centuries. Its meaning, "grace" or "favor," makes it a meaningful choice for parents seeking to bestow their daughter with a powerful and beautiful name.
The name Ana has been a popular choice for parents in the United States over the past century, with a significant increase in its popularity since the mid-20th century. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the number of babies named Ana remained relatively low, fluctuating between 5 to 34 births per year from 1880 to 1920.
However, starting in the 1940s, there was a noticeable rise in the popularity of the name Ana. In 1947, there were 166 births, and by 1950, that number had increased to 223 births. The trend continued to rise throughout the 1950s and 1960s, with 469 births in 1956, 539 births in 1959, and 686 births in 1962.
The peak of popularity for the name Ana occurred between the late 1970s and early 1990s. In 1974, there were 1178 births, and by 1989, that number had reached an all-time high of 2275 births. This trend continued into the 1990s, with over 2000 births per year recorded between 1990 and 1999.
After the turn of the century, the popularity of the name Ana began to decline slightly but remained relatively stable. Between 2000 and 2023, the number of babies named Ana ranged from a low of 1235 births in 2020 to a high of 1548 births in 2015.
In total, since records began in 1880 until 2023, there have been 108,529 babies named Ana born in the United States. This demonstrates that while the name Ana may not have always been the most popular choice for parents in the U.S., it has certainly established itself as a enduring and widely-used name over time.