Emma Girl
EH-muh
“whole, universal” · Germanic
#3
Anais
GirlFrench, Hebrew· “grace, a form of Anna”
- Meaning
- grace, a form of Anna
- Origin
- French, Hebrew
- Pronunciation
- ah-nah-EES
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #892
- US babies 2025
- 299
- Best rank
- #825 (2021)
- Peak year
- 2021
Meaning and origin of Anais
Anais is a French and Hebrew name that means “grace, a form of Anna”.
Anaïs is an Occitan and Catalan form of Anna, which comes from the Hebrew Channah, meaning grace or favor. It became popular in France in the late twentieth century. The writer Anaïs Nin, famous for her published diaries, made the name known in English-speaking countries. In French it has three syllables, ah-nah-EES, although English speakers sometimes say it in two. The name has an artistic, romantic character and feels sophisticated yet gentle. It offers a French twist on the classic Anna.
Popularity over time
Anais first appears in US Social Security records in 1972. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 15 different years, starting in 1988. Its best national rank was #825 in 2021, the same year it reached its highest count of 337 babies. In 2025, 299 babies were named Anais, and it ranked #892 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #10,460 in 1980, #1,127 in 2000, #1,292 in 2010, and #892 in 2025. Of the 9,213 US girls named Anais since records began, 25% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 2,264 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Vada, Zhuri, Malayah, Aspyn, and Rosalee.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Anais ranked highest in Arizona, Utah, and New York.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona | #447 | 15 |
| Utah | #543 | 7 |
| New York | #589 | 28 |
| California | #675 | 46 |
| Florida | #677 | 25 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 98% of US babies named Anais over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
Anais is usually pronounced ah-nah-EES, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with A and ends in “-is”.
Middle names for Anais
A few middle names that flow with Anais: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Anais
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Lists that include Anais
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Anais mean?
Anais is a French and Hebrew name that means “grace, a form of Anna”.
What is the origin of the name Anais?
Anais has French and Hebrew roots. Anaïs is an Occitan and Catalan form of Anna, which comes from the Hebrew Channah, meaning grace or favor.
Is Anais a popular name?
Yes. Anais ranked #892 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Anais a boy or girl name?
Anais is mainly a girl's name. About 98% of US babies named Anais over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
How do you pronounce Anais?
Anais is usually pronounced ah-nah-EES. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings