Charlotte Girl
SHAHR-luht
“free man” · French
#2
Anica
GirlSlavic, Hebrew· “Slavic pet form of Ana”
- Meaning
- Slavic pet form of Ana
- Origin
- Slavic, Hebrew
- Pronunciation
- AH-nee-tsuh
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #15,133
- US babies 2025
- 5
- Best rank
- #2,359 (1975)
- Peak year
- 2001
Meaning and origin of Anica
Anica is a Slavic and Hebrew name that is usually said to mean “Slavic pet form of Ana”.
Anica is a Croatian, Serbian and Slovene diminutive of Ana, the Slavic form of Anna, from the Hebrew Hannah, grace or favor. In those languages it is said AH-nee-tsah, with the c sounding like ts. In the United States it is often said AN-ih-kuh or uh-NEE-kuh, following English spelling. Ani and Nica are possible nicknames. The name has a light, lively sound and connects to one of the most widely used names in the world. It suits families with South Slavic heritage and parents looking for a fresh take on Anna.
Popularity over time
Anica first appears in US Social Security records in 1970. It has never ranked in the national top 1,000, which keeps it genuinely uncommon. Its best national rank was #2,359 in 1975, and the most babies received it in 2001, when 39 were named Anica. In 2025, 5 babies were named Anica, and it ranked #15,133 nationally. That is 76% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #3,323 in 1980, #4,411 in 2000, #4,620 in 2010, and #15,133 in 2025. Of the 1,102 US girls named Anica since records began, 29% were born in the 2000s, its biggest decade. The 1990s come next, with 190 babies. Since 2010, 244 more have been named Anica.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Kadee, Nadeen, Josi, Nadiyah, and Radhika.
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Anica is usually pronounced AH-nee-tsuh, with three syllables. It has five letters, starts with A and ends in “-ca”.
Middle names for Anica
A few middle names that flow with Anica: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Anica
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Lists that include Anica
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Anica mean?
Anica is a Slavic and Hebrew name that is usually said to mean “Slavic pet form of Ana”.
What is the origin of the name Anica?
Anica has Slavic and Hebrew roots. Anica is a Croatian, Serbian and Slovene diminutive of Ana, the Slavic form of Anna, from the Hebrew Hannah, grace or favor.
Is Anica a popular name?
Not especially. Anica ranked #15,133 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Anica a boy or girl name?
Anica is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Anica?
Anica is usually pronounced AH-nee-tsuh. 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