Ananias
Image of Ananias
Meaning and Origin
The name Ananias has its origins in the Greek form of the Hebrew name Hananiah, which means 'Jehovah is gracious' or 'Gift of the Lord.' This etymology reflects the profound theological emphasis on God's grace and generosity, which permeates Judeo-Christian thought. The name carries a sense of divine favor and blessing, making it a fitting choice for individuals associated with significant spiritual events and narratives in the Bible.
Image of Ananias
Name Ananias in languages of the Bible
Hover or touch to magnify
Popularity Analysis
The name Ananias has a modest but notable global presence, being found in 83 countries, with particular popularity in nations such as Vietnam, Namibia, and Mozambique. Its use across diverse cultures reflects its enduring appeal and the universality of its biblical roots. While less common as a given name in modern times, it continues to be recognized and revered within Christian communities for its rich spiritual heritage.
| Country | Variant | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Viet Nam | Huan | 261 |
| Namibia | Ananias | 266 |
| Mozambique | Ananias | 863 |
| Brazil | Ananias | 915 |
| Tanzania, United Republic of | Anania | 939 |
| Greece | Ananias | 1080 |
| Dominica | Ananias | 1316 |
| Bermuda | Huan | 1320 |
| Peru | Ananias | 1322 |
| Macao | Huan | 1483 |
| Angola | Ananias | 1523 |
| Singapore | Huan | 1772 |
| Rwanda | Ananias | 1827 |
| Philippines | Ananias | 1924 |
| China | Huan | 1965 |
Showing top 15 of 83 records
Biblical and Cultural Significance
The name Ananias holds a unique place in biblical tradition, being associated with three distinct figures in the New Testament. Its Divine Proximity Index of 80.8/100 underscores its strong connection to God, while its Jesus Circle Score of 98.5/100 highlights its association with pivotal moments in the life and ministry of Jesus and His followers. These scores reflect the spiritual weight and theological importance of the name in Christian scripture and tradition.
Biblical Context
In the New Testament, the name Ananias appears in three key narratives, each revealing different aspects of the human-divine relationship. The first Ananias, a member of the early Christian community in Jerusalem, is remembered for his tragic deception in Acts 5:1–11. Alongside his wife Sapphira, he sold property but withheld part of the proceeds while claiming to donate the full amount. When confronted by Peter, Ananias died instantly, an event that underscored the seriousness of lying to God and the Holy Spirit.
Divine Proximity Metrics
God Proximity
SNA: 1.09 | Percentile: 80.8
Jesus Proximity
SNA: 5.62 | Percentile: 98.55
Biblical References
- Acts 9:18
- Acts 23:2
- Acts 5:5
- Acts 9:13
- Acts 5:8