Ania

Ania is a feminine given name used in Poland and several other countries. In Polish, Ania is usually a diminutive form of Anna, a name that ultimately derives from Hebrew Hannah and is commonly interpreted as “grace” or “favor.” Ania is also used as a standalone given name in various linguistic and cultural contexts.

Variants and related names include Anya, Anna, Anika, and Ani. The spelling Ania is particularly common in Poland and among Polish-speaking communities, while Anya is more typical in Russian, Ukrainian, and Anglophone contexts, and Anika appears in several Germanic and Slavic languages. Pronunciation differs by language; in Polish, Ania is typically pronounced roughly as AH-nyah.

The name has a long-standing presence in Central and Eastern Europe and is used across generations. It is found in literature, film, and media as both a given name and a character name, reflecting its status as a familiar and approachable form of Anna. In non-Polish contexts, Ania may be adopted as a preferred spelling by families seeking a shorter, informal form of Anna.

See also: Anya, Anna, Anika.