Rising since 2013, #4,396 for boys today.
Popularity of Anav since 2011
Babies named Anav per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 2010s | 92 |
| 2020s | 153 |
Meaning & origin
Anav is a modern name that first appeared on U.S. birth records in 2011, showing a gradually rising trajectory since 2013. As of 2025, it ranks 4,396, with a frequency of roughly 1 in 74,264 newborns. Its peak year was 2023, and it is most common in New Jersey and California. While its etymology is uncertain, it may be a creative spelling of the Hebrew name Anav, meaning 'humble', or a novel modern formation. The name's short, simple structure and distinctive sound align with current naming trends. Given its recent emergence, Anav lacks historical depth but offers a fresh, underused option for parents seeking a unique name.
The name Anav first appeared in U.S. birth records in 2011, suggesting a recent coinage. It may be a respelling of the Hebrew name Anav (עָנָו), which means 'humble' or 'meek', or a creative variation of names like Anav or Ana. The rise in usage may also be influenced by the fashionable -av ending found in names like Zav or Nav. No long historical record exists for this name outside of the U.S.
Where Anav is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Sibling names for Anav
Names that share Anav's style, for a brother or sister.
