The name Anne is of Hebrew origin and means "grace". It is a variant spelling of the name Anna, which was derived from the Hebrew word "Channah" meaning "favor" or "grace".
Anne has been used in various forms throughout history. In the Bible, Anne was the mother of the Virgin Mary and the grandmother of Jesus Christ. This biblical figure played an important role in early Christianity and helped to popularize the name.
In medieval Europe, the name Anne became particularly popular in France, where it was often associated with royalty. Several queens of France were named Anne, including Anne of Brittany, who married King Charles VIII in 1491. This association with royalty helped to further enhance the prestige of the name Anne.
Today, Anne remains a popular choice for girls' names around the world. It is often used as a standalone name but can also be combined with other names to create unique combinations such as Anne-Marie or Anne-Sophie. Despite its long history and widespread use, Anne continues to evoke feelings of grace and elegance, making it a timeless and beloved name.
The name Anne experienced a significant increase in popularity during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. From just 136 births in 1880, the number grew steadily, reaching its peak in 1912 with 2369 births. This trend continued until 1917 when it reached an all-time high of 4603 births. However, after World War I, there was a notable decline, dropping to 3975 births in 1919. The popularity of the name Anne has fluctuated over time, with periods of higher and lower usage. In recent years, it seems to have stabilized at around 500 births per year.