The name Ann is a popular female given name of Latin origin, derived from the name Anna or Anne. It is believed to have been brought to England by the Normans after the Norman Conquest in 1066.
Ann is the shortened form of Anne, which comes from the Hebrew name Hannah. In Hebrew, Hannah means "grace" or "favor." The name Ann has been widely used throughout history and has been associated with many notable figures, such as Queen Anne of Great Britain (1702-1714) and Anne Frank, the young Jewish girl whose diary chronicled her experiences during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands.
The name Ann has also been popular in literature and pop culture. It is the given name of characters in works such as "Ann of Green Gables" by L.M. Montgomery and "Anne of Avonlea," as well as the title character in the film "Anne of the Thousand Days." In more recent years, it has been used as a given name for celebrities like actress Anne Hathaway and musician Ann Wilson.
Despite its long history and widespread use, the name Ann remains a classic choice for parents looking to give their daughter a timeless and elegant name. Its simplicity and familiarity make it easy to recognize and pronounce in many languages, while its association with notable figures lends it an air of distinction and grace. Overall, the name Ann is a strong and enduring choice for a girl's given name.
"The name Ann experienced a significant increase in popularity over the late 19th to early 20th centuries, with births peaking at nearly 2670 in 1938. However, since the mid-20th century, its usage has declined dramatically, dropping below 500 by the year 2000 and continuing to fall until recent years, where it consistently hovers around 200 births annually."