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.
Here's a comment on the given statistics concerning the name Ana:
The popularity of the name Ana experienced significant fluctuations over the years, with notable peaks and valleys. In its early years (1880-1920), it was relatively uncommon, with annual births ranging from 6 to 34. However, starting in the late 1920s, there was a marked increase in popularity, with births surpassing 50 annually by 1927 and reaching over 100 by 1943.
The height of Ana's popularity occurred between the late 1940s and early 1960s. In this period, the number of annual births more than doubled from 226 in 1948 to a peak of 767 in 1963. This trend continued throughout most of the 1960s and 1970s, with annual births consistently over 1000.
Interestingly, Ana's popularity began to decline after reaching its zenith in the late 1970s. Between 1980 and 2023, there was a steady decrease in the number of annual births named Ana, dropping from a high of 1469 in 1985 to a low of 1235 in 2020. Despite this decline, Ana remains a popular name, with over 1000 births annually up until recent years.
In total, between 1880 and 2023, there were 108,529 babies named Ana, reflecting the name's enduring appeal and its shifting popularity trends.