Declining since 2021, #7,885 for girls today.
Popularity of Anahita since 1979
Babies named Anahita per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 5 |
| 1980s | 48 |
| 1990s | 58 |
| 2000s | 116 |
| 2010s | 162 |
| 2020s | 103 |
Meaning & origin
Anahita is a name of Persian origin with deep roots in ancient mythology, referencing a Zoroastrian goddess of water, fertility, and purity. It first entered the U.S. Social Security records in 1979 and reached its peak popularity in 2020, ranking 7,885 in 2025 with approximately 1 in 123,636 girls receiving the name. Since 2021, its usage has been declining, but it remains a distinctive choice. The name has not concentrated in any particular U.S. state, reflecting a broad but limited appeal. Anahita carries a spiritual aura without being overtly religious, making it appealing to families honoring Persian heritage or those drawn to names with ancient, feminine power.
Anahita derives from the Avestan name of a Persian goddess, Aredvi Sura Anahita, associated with water, fertility, and healing. The name was borne by a major Zoroastrian deity, and it has been used as a given name in Iran and other Persian-influenced regions for centuries. In modern times, it has spread to other cultures, often chosen for its melodic sound and spiritual connotations.
“Anahita” around the world
Where Anahita lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
10
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ani, Nita, Hita
Sibling names for Anahita
Names that share Anahita's style, for a brother or sister.
