Anah

Meaning & origin

Anah is a rare biblical name that has maintained a low but steady presence in American naming records since its first recorded usage in 1921. The name reached its peak usage in 2002, though it has never entered the top 1000, reflecting its status as an uncommon choice. Despite its obscurity, Anah offers a concise, melodic alternative to more popular variants like Anna or Hannah. Its exact etymology remains debated, with possible roots in Hebrew meaning "answer" or "affliction," but it is most often viewed as a diminutive of Hannah. The name's trajectory has been stable over the decades, without significant spikes or declines in usage, and it has not been recorded in any top state data, suggesting a scattered national distribution. Parents drawn to underused biblical names with a soft vowel sound may find Anah an appealing option.

Anah appears in the Hebrew Bible as a minor figure (Genesis 36:20, 24). The name may derive from the Hebrew root 'anah, meaning "to answer" or "to be afflicted." It is sometimes considered a short form of Hannah or Anna, though this connection is not firmly established. Anah has seen rare but consistent use in English-speaking countries since the 19th century.