Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Anya
GirlRussian, Hebrew· “grace; pet form of Anna”
- Meaning
- grace; pet form of Anna
- Origin
- Russian, Hebrew
- Pronunciation
- AHN-yuh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #375
- US babies 2025
- 821
- Best rank
- #363 (2009)
- Peak year
- 2007
Meaning and origin of Anya
Anya is a Russian and Hebrew name that means “grace; pet form of Anna”.
Anya is a Russian pet form of Anna, now used as a full name around the world. Anna comes from the Hebrew Hannah, meaning grace or favor, and it has been beloved across Europe for centuries, partly through Saint Anne, traditionally the mother of Mary. In Russian families Anya is the everyday name a girl called Anna would hear at home. English speakers took to it as an independent choice, drawn by its warm, two-syllable sound. It feels international and understated, and it is easy to say in most languages. Anya also works as a spelling bridge for families with Slavic heritage.
Popularity over time
Anya first appears in US Social Security records in 1943. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 31 different years, starting in 1980. Its best national rank was #363 in 2009, and the most babies received it in 2007, when 895 were named Anya. In 2025, 821 babies were named Anya, and it ranked #375 nationally. That is 46% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #556 in 1980, #586 in 2000, #406 in 2010, and #375 in 2025. Of the 20,561 US girls named Anya since records began, 33% were born in the 2000s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 6,089 babies. Since 2010, 10,063 more have been named Anya.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Marlee, Sherlyn, Madyson, Nataly, and Janiya.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Anya ranked highest in Alaska, Arizona, and Washington.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska | #141 | 5 |
| Arizona | #174 | 37 |
| Washington | #210 | 34 |
| Nevada | #240 | 11 |
| California | #246 | 134 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Anya is usually pronounced AHN-yuh, with two syllables. It has four letters, starts with A and ends in “-ya”.
Middle names for Anya
A few middle names that flow with Anya: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Anya
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Lists that include Anya
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Anya mean?
Anya is a Russian and Hebrew name that means “grace; pet form of Anna”.
What is the origin of the name Anya?
Anya has Russian and Hebrew roots. Anya is a Russian pet form of Anna, now used as a full name around the world.
Is Anya a popular name?
Yes. Anya ranked #375 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Anya a boy or girl name?
Anya is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Anya?
Anya is usually pronounced AHN-yuh. 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