The nameAnais
Anais is a French girl's name with Catalan and Provençal roots, linked to Anna. It evokes Anaïs Nin.
- Girl's name
- Hebrew
Meaning
Anaïs is a Provençal and Catalan form of Anna, Hebrew for "grace".
Origin
Hebrew, through Catalan and Provençal.
History
The writer Anaïs Nin made the name known in the English-speaking world. In England and Wales it reached 292nd in 2003.
Anais in other languages
Anaïs began in southern France and Catalonia as a pet form of Anne. It remains mostly French and Spanish. The same family gives Anne in French, Anna in Italian and German, Ana in Spanish and Hannah in English.
Did you know?
- Anaïs Nin began her famous diary at the age of 11 and kept it for the rest of her life.
- Anaïs Anaïs, the Cacharel perfume launched in 1978, did a lot to make the name known.
Famous people named Anais
- Anaïs Nin, writer
- Anaïs Demoustier, actress
Popularity of the name Anais
Anais in the United States
Anais was most popular in the United States in the 2010s, with 2,364 births over the decade, 26% of all recorded babies named Anais. Its rise began around 1984, and it peaked in 2021. Half of all babies named Anais in the United States were born before 2007, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, it has been rising: 326 births a year on average, against 274 in the five years before.
Anais in the United Kingdom
Anais was most popular in the United Kingdom in the 2010s, with 1,154 births over the decade, 39% of all recorded babies named Anais. Half of all babies named Anais in the United Kingdom were born before 2012, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, it has been falling: 88 births a year on average, against 127 in the five years before.
Anais in France
Anais in Belgium
Anais in Switzerland
Variants and related names
Sibling names for Anais
Names from the same generation as Anais, whose popularity in the United States has followed a similar path.
How many people are named Anais? See the counter → · What would your name be in 1950? · Name origin quiz
Compare Anais with another name
Meaning, origin and popularity of Anais side by side with the name of your choice.
Anais in our baby name lists
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Anais mean?
Anaïs is a Provençal and Catalan form of Anna, Hebrew for "grace".
What is the origin of the name Anais?
Hebrew, through Catalan and Provençal.
Is Anais a girl's or a boy's name?
Anais is a girl's name.
How popular is the name Anais?
In 2024, Anais was the 854th most popular name for baby girls in the United States, with 315 births.
What are the variants of the name Anais?
Variants and related names of Anais include Anisa, Anna, Anne and Athénaïs.
What are good sibling names for Anais?
Names from the same generation, with a similar popularity in the United States: Joelle, Dalia, Betty and Mariam for a sister, Shlomo, Reuben, Eleazar and Aron for a brother.
Who are famous people named Anais?
Anaïs Nin, writer; Anaïs Demoustier, actress.