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Last Name Anna

What is the origin of the last name Anna?

The last name "Anna" typically originates from multiple cultures and has different possible origins: 1. Hebrew: In Hebrew, "Anna" is derived from the name Hannah, which means "favor" or "grace." It is a common Jewish surname. 2. Indian: In India, "Anna" is a common last name in some regions. It may be derived from the Sanskrit word "annadana," which means "food donation" or "charitable giving." 3. Italian: In Italy, "Anna" is a common last name. It often originated as a given name but has been passed down as a surname. It is also associated with the Catholic Saint Anne or Anna, who was the mother of the Virgin Mary. 4. Arabic: In some Arabic-speaking countries, "Anna" can be an Arabic last name. However, it may have different forms and variations depending on the particular region. It is important to note that last names can vary greatly in their origins and meanings, and the information provided here represents some of the common possibilities for the last name "Anna."

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The meaning and origin of the last name Anna

The surname "Anna" has multiple origins and meanings. In Hebrew, it is derived from the name "Hannah," meaning "grace" or "favor." The name has a significant biblical influence as Anna is mentioned in the New Testament as a devout prophetess who recognized Jesus as the Messiah. In other cultures, "Anna" can have different meanings. In Sanskrit, it signifies "food" or "grain," while in Arabic, it refers to a beautiful woman. The name "Anna" has spread across various countries throughout history, and consequently, the surname can be found in numerous regions. It is important to note that surnames often develop over time through factors like patronymics, occupations, or locations. Therefore, an individual with the surname "Anna" might have a particular family history that influenced the name, such as being a descendent of someone named Anna or originating from a region where the name was prevalent.

Geographical distribution of the last name Anna

The last name "Anna" exhibits a relatively widespread geographical distribution. It can be found in various parts of the world, although prevalence levels may differ in each region. Anna is a common last name in several countries, including Russia, Italy, India, and Greece. In Russia, it is pronounced as "Ahn-na" and is derived from the Hebrew name Hannah, while in Italy, it is pronounced as "Ah-nah" and usually relates to the given name Anna. In India, the last name Anna is associated with the South Indian state of Karnataka, where it is predominantly found. Additionally, the last name Anna can also be encountered in other parts of Europe, the Americas, and other regions due to migration and diaspora communities. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Anna indicates its multi-cultural origins and spread across different continents, reflecting the diverse heritage of individuals bearing this surname.

Variants and spellings of the last name Anna

The last name Anna has several variations and spellings across different regions and cultures. For instance, in countries with a strong German influence, it may be spelled as Ahna or Aehnna. In Italian, it might be written as Ana or Ani. In Spanish-speaking countries, it could be spelled as Ana or Ana María. In some Slavic countries, the last name Anna may be spelled as Ana or Anya. Additionally, in Arabic-speaking countries, variations of the last name Anna could include Aanna or Ana. Furthermore, in India, the name might be spelled as Ana or Anaika. With such linguistic diversity around the world, the variations and spellings of the last name Anna expand even further, showcasing the richness of different cultures and languages that influence its written form.

Famous people with the last name Anna

There are no widely recognized famous people with the last name Anna. This may be due to the fact that "Anna" is more commonly used as a given name rather than a surname. However, there are numerous notable individuals who bear the name Anna as their given name. One such prominent figure is Anna Wintour, the influential British-American fashion journalist and editor-in-chief of Vogue magazine since 1988. Known for her iconic bob haircut and signature sunglasses, Wintour has played a significant role in shaping the fashion industry. Another well-known figure is Anna Kendrick, an American actress famous for her performances in films such as "Pitch Perfect" and "Up in the Air," which earned her critical acclaim and multiple award nominations. While there may not be renowned people specifically with the last name Anna, there are certainly many accomplished individuals who have made their mark with the name Anna in some form.

Genealogical research on the last name Anna

The last name Anna, derived from the Hebrew name "Hannah" meaning "grace," has a rich genealogical history. It can be traced back to ancient times, where it first appeared in biblical texts and various cultures across the globe. The name Anna gained popularity in Christian communities due to its association with the New Testament figure, Saint Anna, who was the mother of the Virgin Mary. In terms of surname usage, Anna could have originated as a patronymic surname, denoting "son of Anna" or "daughter of Anna." Genealogical records indicate that the name has dispersed worldwide, with notable concentrations found in regions such as Eastern Europe, South Asia, and parts of Africa. Variations of Anna, including Anne, Ann, and Annae, can be identified in different languages and dialects. Tracing the genealogy of the name Anna offers a fascinating exploration of family lines and the historical development of this beloved surname.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 : 11 April 2025

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