A 1880s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Ananias since 1883
Babies named Ananias per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2025, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Ananias's real moment was 1883.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 10 |
| 1890s | 0 |
| 1900s | 12 |
| 1910s | 36 |
| 1920s | 59 |
| 1930s | 63 |
| 1940s | 29 |
| 1950s | 38 |
| 1960s | 7 |
| 1970s | 30 |
| 1980s | 33 |
| 1990s | 47 |
| 2000s | 117 |
| 2010s | 225 |
| 2020s | 255 |
Meaning & origin
Ananias is an ancient biblical name with a dramatic story behind it. While the most infamous bearer met a sudden end for deceit in the Book of Acts, the name also belonged to a faithful disciple who restored Paul's sight. The name first appeared on U.S. records in 1883 and reached its peak rank of 2,451 in 2025, reflecting a steady revival that began around 1987 after decades of limited use. Ananias is currently most common in Florida and Texas, where its rhythmic, four-syllable sound appeals to parents seeking a distinctive name with deep historical roots. With a current rarity of 1 in 31,056 births, it remains a bold choice for those drawn to Old Testament names with a New Testament twist.
Ananias is the Latin form of the Greek Ἀνανίας (Ananias), derived from the Hebrew name חֲנַנְיָה (Chananyah), meaning 'Yahweh has been gracious' or 'God is gracious'. In the New Testament, Ananias appears as the name of three different figures: a high priest, a disciple in Damascus, and a member of the early church in Jerusalem who, along with his wife Sapphira, died after lying about a donation. The name has been used among Christians since the Reformation, though it remains rare.
Where Ananias is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ana, Ani, An
Variants: Hananiah
Sibling names for Ananias
Names that share Ananias's style, for a brother or sister.
