anastasia

Anastasia is a feminine given name of Greek origin, derived from the word anástasis meaning “resurrection.” The name has been used in Christian and Orthodox contexts and spread across Europe, with variants including Anastasia, Anastasiya, and the Russian diminutives Nastya and Stasia.

The most famous bearer is Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna of Russia (1901–1918), the youngest daughter of Tsar Nicholas II. Her disappearance during the Russian Revolution and the enduring rumors of her survival contributed to the name’s enduring cultural presence.

In modern culture, Anastasia has been the subject of several works of fiction and film. The 1956 film Anastasia presented a biographical drama about the Grand Duchess’s life, while the 1997 animated film Anastasia, produced by Fox Animation Studios, offered a fictional, musical tale about a young woman who may be the lost princess. The character and the name have since become familiar in stage productions, music, and literature.

Today, Anastasia remains a widely used name in many countries and languages, retaining royal and romantic associations and continuing to appear in popular culture. It is common in Russia and Greek-speaking communities and has gained popularity in English-speaking countries and beyond.