Anfisa is a unique and captivating name of Russian origin. It is derived from the Greek name "Afroussia," which means "manly beauty." The name was popularized by the character Anfisa in Fyodor Dostoevsky's novel "The Brothers Karamazov."
In Russia, Anfisa has been traditionally associated with the Orthodox Church and is often given to girls born around the feast day of Saint Afanasy, who is believed to have lived during the 4th century. However, unlike many Russian names, Anfisa does not have a specific saint or historical figure that it is directly linked to.
Throughout history, there have been several notable figures with the name Anfisa. One such example is Anfisa Chebotareva, a Soviet partisan who fought against the German occupation during World War II and was awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union posthumously in 1943.
Despite its historical significance, Anfisa remains relatively uncommon outside of Russia and other Slavic countries. However, those who bear this unique name are often drawn to its rich history and distinctive sound.
"The name Anfisa experienced a brief resurgence with six births each in 2014 and 2019 after a quieter period between 2009 to 2013, with only five births in 2009."