The name Ana is of Spanish origin and is a popular choice for girls worldwide. It is derived from the Latin name Anna, which itself comes from the Hebrew name Hannah.
In Hebrew, Hannah means "grace" or "favor". The name is associated with a woman in the Bible who was known for her devotion to God and her willingness to give up her child Samuel to serve Him. As such, Ana has been seen as a symbol of faith and devotion throughout history.
The name Ana gained popularity during the Middle Ages through the works of Italian poet Dante Alighieri. He included two characters named Anna in his Divine Comedy, one of whom was a virtuous woman who greeted him in paradise. This portrayal likely contributed to the name's enduring appeal.
In Spanish-speaking countries, Ana is often used as a short form of names like Anaисabel or Anaиs. It has also been adopted by other cultures and languages around the world, with variations such as Anna (English), Anne (French), and Hanna (German).
Today, Ana remains a beloved name for girls, carrying with it connotations of grace, virtue, and devotion. Its simplicity and ease of pronunciation make it an attractive choice for parents seeking a classic yet timeless name for their daughter.
The name Ana experienced fluctuating popularity over the past century, with noticeable peaks in the late 1980s and early 1990s, reaching a high of 39 births in 1990. The name has since declined in popularity, with fewer than 10 births per year occurring between 2006 and 2023, inclusive.