Named by God

Anna

Meaning and Origin

The name Anna is derived from the Greek form of the Hebrew name חַנָּה (Hannah), which means 'grace' or 'favor.' Its roots convey a sense of divine kindness and blessing, underscoring its spiritual resonance. Historically, Anna has been associated with the idea of one who gives or one who is gracious, reflecting its etymological connection to generosity and divine favor. The name's simplicity and profound meaning have made it a timeless choice across cultures and generations.

Tobit i Anna. Obraz Abrahama De Pape (ok. 1658 r.), National Gallery w Londynie

Tobit i Anna. Obraz Abrahama De Pape (ok. 1658 r.), National Gallery w Londynie

Name Anna in languages of the Bible

Anna in languages of the Bible

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Popularity Analysis

The name Anna is widely recognized and cherished across the globe, with significant popularity in countries such as Poland, Sweden, and Iceland. Its universal appeal can be attributed to its simplicity, elegance, and profound meaning. Anna has been borne by notable figures in various fields, including tennis player Anna Kournikova, actress Anna Paquin, and ballerina Anna Pavlova, further solidifying its cultural relevance.

CountryVariantRank
PolandAnna4
SwedenAnna4
IcelandAnna4
UruguayAna4
PortugalAna5
CroatiaAna5
FijiAna5
AlbaniaAna6
NorwayAnne6
El SalvadorAna6
BrazilAna7
South AfricaAnna8
MexicoAna8
GuatemalaAna8
Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic ofAna8

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Biblical and Cultural Significance

In the Bible, Anna is a prophetess celebrated for her extraordinary faith and devotion. Her story is one of unwavering dedication to God, as she spent much of her life worshiping, fasting, and praying in the temple of Jerusalem. Her Divine Proximity Index of 80.8/100 reflects her close association with God, while her Jesus Circle Score of 94.1/100 highlights her pivotal role in recognizing Jesus as the Messiah. These scores underscore her spiritual significance and her unique place in biblical history.

Biblical Context

Anna's story is found in Luke 2:36–38, where she is described as a prophetess of the tribe of Asher and the daughter of Phanuel. Widowed after only seven years of marriage, Anna dedicated the rest of her life to serving God in the temple. When Mary and Joseph brought the infant Jesus to the temple for His presentation, Anna immediately recognized Him as the promised Messiah. She gave thanks to God and spoke to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem, affirming Jesus's identity as the Savior.

Divine Proximity Metrics

God Proximity

SNA: 1.09 | Percentile: 80.8

Biblical References

  • Luke 2:37
  • Luke 2:36
  • Luke 2:38
Anna | Biblical Name Meaning | Named by God