Anning

Anning may refer to multiple subjects, including a surname and a geographic location. As a surname, it is found in English-speaking countries and is associated with various individuals. The most well-known bearer is Mary Anning, recognized for her fossil discoveries in the early 19th century and her contributions to the development of paleontology.

Mary Anning (1799–1847) was an English fossil collector and paleontologist from Lyme Regis, Dorset. Alongside her family, she excavated along the Jurassic Coast and contributed important specimens to science, including among the first well-preserved ichthyosaur and plesiosaur skeletons. Her work aided contemporary scientists and helped advance ideas about prehistoric life, though she faced barriers related to gender and social status in her time. Today, she is widely acknowledged as a significant figure in the history of geology and paleontology, with her life and discoveries remembered in museums, publications, and educational contexts.

Anning is also the name of a county-level city in Yunnan Province, China. Anning is administered by Kunming and lies to the southwest of the provincial capital, contributing to the region’s economy and transport network. In Chinese, the name is written with characters that commonly convey meanings such as peace or tranquility, though local toponymy and etymology may vary.

In addition to these primary references, Anning can appear as a surname in other contexts and may denote additional localities in different regions.