Annamae is a unique and beautiful name of Irish origin. It is derived from the Irish name Anna, which means "grace" or "favor." The addition of the name Mae, which is short for Mary and also means "bitter sea," creates a distinct and memorable combination.
The name Annamae has a long history in Ireland, dating back to ancient Celtic times. It was often given to girls born into families with strong ties to their faith, as both Anna and Mary are significant figures in Christian religion. Over time, the name spread beyond Ireland's borders and became popular in other English-speaking countries.
Today, Annamae remains a charming and uncommon name choice for parents looking for something distinctive yet meaningful for their daughters. It has a lovely flow when spoken aloud and is easy to spell, making it a practical option as well.
In literature, the name Annamae appears in works such as "The Secret Garden" by Frances Hodgson Burnett, where it is the middle name of one of the main characters, Mary Annamae (or Dickon) Crew. This further contributes to its unique and enchanting allure.
Overall, Annamae is a captivating Irish name with a lovely meaning that has stood the test of time. It is an excellent choice for parents seeking a name that combines elegance, rarity, and historical significance.
The name Annamae has been given to a total of 3,668 newborns in the United States since 1896, according to the data provided. The number of births varied greatly over the years, with peaks and valleys indicating fluctuations in popularity.
In the early 20th century, from 1896 to 1925, Annamae was quite popular, with an average of around 100 births per year during this period. The highest number of births recorded within this time frame was 143 in 1922.
However, the popularity of the name started to decline from the late 1920s onwards. Between 1930 and 1965, there were fewer than 64 births per year on average. The lowest point was reached in 1954 with only 9 births that year.
After a brief resurgence in popularity during the late 1970s and early 1980s (with an average of around 20 births per year), Annamae's popularity declined once again. From 1990 to 2023, there were fewer than 25 births per year on average.
In recent years, however, the name has seen a renewed interest, with more than 30 births recorded each year from 2012 to 2022. The most recent data from 2023 shows that Annamae was still given to 17 newborns in the United States.
These statistics illustrate how the popularity of the name Annamae has ebbed and flowed over time, with several periods of higher and lower popularity throughout the course of more than a century.