Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Ani
GirlArmenian· “uncertain; several sources”
- Meaning
- uncertain; several sources (origin disputed)
- Origin
- Armenian
- Pronunciation
- AH-nee
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #2,961
- US babies 2025
- 56
- Best rank
- #1,686 (2004)
- Peak year
- 2007
Meaning and origin of Ani
Ani is often said to mean “uncertain; several sources”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Armenian roots.
The origin of Ani is uncertain, as it appears in several languages with different meanings. In Armenian, Ani is the name of a medieval capital city, whose ruins stand near the modern border with Turkey. The name is also used in other cultures, sometimes as a short form of Anna or Anahit. Because of its multiple roots, Ani is often chosen for its sound and cultural significance. Annie is the familiar English name with a similar sound, and Ani itself is said AH-nee.
Popularity over time
Ani first appears in US Social Security records in 1958. It has never ranked in the national top 1,000, which keeps it genuinely uncommon. Its best national rank was #1,686 in 2004, and the most babies received it in 2007, when 122 were named Ani. In 2025, 56 babies were named Ani, and it ranked #2,961 nationally. That is 28% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #3,861 in 1980, #1,904 in 2000, #2,387 in 2010, and #2,961 in 2025. Of the 3,183 US girls named Ani since records began, 33% were born in the 2000s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 797 babies. Since 2010, 1,234 more have been named Ani.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Anja, Meah, Jahzara, Saray, and Jadelyn.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Ani ranked highest in California.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| California | #1239 | 20 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Ani is usually pronounced AH-nee, with two syllables. It has three letters, starts with A and ends in “-ni”.
Middle names for Ani
A few middle names that flow with Ani: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Ani
Similar names
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Lists that include Ani
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Ani mean?
Ani is often said to mean “uncertain; several sources”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Armenian roots.
What is the origin of the name Ani?
Ani has Armenian roots. The origin of Ani is uncertain, as it appears in several languages with different meanings.
Is Ani a popular name?
Not especially. Ani ranked #2,961 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Ani a boy or girl name?
Ani is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Ani?
Ani is usually pronounced AH-nee. 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