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anna

Anna is a feminine given name used across many languages and cultures. It derives from the Hebrew name Channah (Hannah), meaning grace or favor, and entered Western usage via Latin and Greek, becoming common across Europe. In Christian tradition, Saint Anne (Anne) is the mother of the Virgin Mary, a figure venerated in Catholic and Orthodox churches, which contributed to the name’s widespread adoption. Because of its simplicity and pleasant sound, Anna has endured as a standalone name and as the basis for longer forms in various languages.

Variants include Ana (Spanish, Portuguese), Anya (Slavic and Scandinavian languages), Anne (English), and Hannah (related form

Notable bearers and cultural references include Anna Akhmatova, Russian poet; Anna Pavlova, Russian ballerina; Anna Wintour,

in
Hebrew
and
English).
The
name
appears
in
many
cultures
with
slight
spelling
differences,
but
the
pronunciation
tends
to
be
similar:
two
syllables,
often
with
the
stress
on
the
first.
The
name
has
been
used
in
literature,
music,
and
film,
contributing
to
its
enduring
popularity.
editor-in-chief
of
Vogue;
Anna
Kendrick,
American
actress;
and
the
fictional
Anna
Karenina,
the
title
character
of
Tolstoy’s
novel.
The
name
remains
a
common
choice
for
girls
and
appears
frequently
in
public
life
and
fiction,
reflecting
its
broad
cultural
resonance.