Anais

Anais is a feminine given name used primarily in French-speaking regions. It is commonly treated as a variant of Anna or Hannah and is often associated with the meaning “grace” or “favor,” deriving from traditional names that emphasize mercy. The form Anaïs, with a diaeresis over the i, signals two syllables in French, typically pronounced ah-nyees, with the emphasis on the second syllable.

In francophone contexts, Anaïs gained popularity in the 20th century and has since spread to other language regions, including English-speaking areas. It remains most common in France and Belgium but is also found in other parts of the world through literature, film, and contemporary music. Variants and related names include Anna, Ana, and forms such as Anaís in Spanish-speaking areas. The spelling with diacritics is often preserved to reflect its French origin, though simplified forms are common in international usage.

Notable people named Anaïs include Anaïs Nin (1903–1977), a French-born diarist and writer; Anaïs Mitchell (born 1985), an American singer-songwriter and author; and Anaïs Demoustier (born 1987), a French actress. The name also appears in fiction and film as a given name for various characters. As a culturally rich and recognizable name, Anaïs remains in contemporary use across many regions.