Declining since 1989, #3,128 for boys today.
Popularity of Anibal since 1914
Babies named Anibal per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1990, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Anibal's real moment was 1976.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 28 |
| 1920s | 64 |
| 1930s | 33 |
| 1940s | 51 |
| 1950s | 303 |
| 1960s | 512 |
| 1970s | 608 |
| 1980s | 637 |
| 1990s | 644 |
| 2000s | 455 |
| 2010s | 377 |
| 2020s | 216 |
Meaning & origin
Anibal is the Spanish and Portuguese form of the ancient Phoenician name Hannibal, famously borne by the Carthaginian general who led elephants across the Alps. In the United States, it has seen modest but enduring use since its first recorded appearance in 1914. Its peak popularity came in 1976, after which it entered a gradual decline, with usage falling since 1989. The name remains most common in Texas and California, reflecting its strong Hispanic cultural roots. While never breaking into the top 1,000, Anibal has maintained a steady presence, offering a historical and multicultural alternative to more common names.
Anibal is the Spanish and Portuguese form of Hannibal, a Carthaginian name composed of Phoenician elements meaning 'grace of Baal' or 'favored by Baal.' The most famous bearer was the Carthaginian general who crossed the Alps during the Second Punic War. The name has been used in Iberian cultures for centuries, often in Catholic contexts as a Latinized biblical name, though it does not appear in the Bible. In the United States, it has been given consistently since the early 20th century, primarily among Hispanic families.
Where Anibal is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ani, Nibal
Variants: Hannibal
Sibling names for Anibal
Names that share Anibal's style, for a brother or sister.
