Origin and meaning of the name Annie

The name Annie is derived from the Latin name Annia, which was a female given name in ancient Rome. It was later used as a short form for names beginning with Anna, such as Annabella and Antonia. The name Anna itself has Hebrew origins, meaning "grace" or "favor." In English-speaking countries, Annie became popular during the 19th century.

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The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Annie

The name Annie is an English short form of Anna or Hanne, both of which have Germanic origins. Anna is derived from the Hebrew name Hannah, meaning "grace" or "favor." Hanne originates from the Old High German Hanna, which in turn comes from Hans, a variant of John, meaning "God is gracious." The name Annie became popular in the 19th century and was often given to girls born during this period. It gained additional fame through various literary and historical figures such as Anne Boleyn, the second wife of King Henry VIII, and Anne Frank, a young diarist who died during the Holocaust. Today, Annie is a beloved name known for its simplicity, charm, and strong connection to grace and kindness.

Character traits associated with the name Annie

Annie is often characterized by a vibrant and lively spirit, exhibiting qualities such as enthusiasm, kindness, and empathy. She possesses an innate curiosity that drives her to explore new ideas and experiences. Annie's adaptability allows her to navigate various situations with ease, making her a valued friend and companion. Her resilience, coupled with her optimistic outlook on life, enables her to bounce back from challenges with grace and determination. Despite her cheerful demeanor, Annie is also known for her intelligence, demonstrating a keen ability to understand complex concepts and solve problems efficiently. These traits make Annie an engaging individual who brings joy, wisdom, and a sense of harmony to those around her.

Popularity of the name Annie

The name Annie is a popular given name in various English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States and the United Kingdom. According to data from the Social Security Administration, Annie was among the top 100 most popular girl names in the U.S. throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, peaking at number 8 in 1893. The name's popularity has fluctuated since then, but it remains a frequently chosen moniker for girls today. Annie is a diminutive of Ann or Hannah, both Old Testament names with Biblical significance. Its enduring appeal can be attributed to its short and sweet sound, as well as the charm and vivacity associated with the character of Anne Shirley in L.M. Montgomery's "Anne of Green Gables."

Famous people with the name Annie

Annie has been a popular first name among notable figures across various fields. In literature, Anne Frank, born Annelies Marie Frank, is perhaps the most celebrated, best known for her diary detailing her family's life in hiding during the Holocaust. Another literary figure is Annie John, the protagonist of Jamaica Kincaid's semi-autobiographical novel. In music, Annies have included Annie Lennox, a Scottish singer-songwriter and political activist who found success as one half of the duo Eurythmics; and Annie Clark, an American musician and singer-songwriter known professionally as St. Vincent. In the world of entertainment, there is Ann Margaret, a popular actress and recording artist from the mid-20th century, and Annie Potts, an acclaimed American actress best known for her roles in 'Designing Women' and 'Ghostbusters'. Finally, in sports, Ann Curtis was a professional tennis player who won the Australian Open in 1978. These are some of the most renowned individuals named Annie across different spheres of human endeavor.

Variations of the name Annie

Annie is a popular female given name with various spellings and derivatives worldwide. The most common spelling is Anne, which originates from the Hebrew 'Hannah', meaning grace or favor. Other English variations include Ann, Annie, Anita (which means gracious), and Anna (meaning favor or grace). In French, it's Anne, while in Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese, it's Anna. In German, it can be spelled as Anne, Anna, or Annie. These names have been used extensively across different cultures and time periods, with Anne being the name of several saints, royal figures, and fictional characters throughout history. The popularity of these names continues today, each variation embodying a unique charm and elegance while preserving the essence of grace and favor that they represent.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the first name "annie"
• Global distribution of the first name on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 14 June 2025

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