Declining since 2004, #2,751 for girls today.
Popularity of Anisa since 1958
Babies named Anisa per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1950s | 7 |
| 1960s | 189 |
| 1970s | 357 |
| 1980s | 357 |
| 1990s | 1,121 |
| 2000s | 1,876 |
| 2010s | 1,178 |
| 2020s | 473 |
Meaning & origin
Anisa is a name with dual heritage, rooted in both Arabic and Hebrew traditions. Its Arabic meaning of "friendly" or "companionable" gives it a warm, approachable feel, while its connection to the Hebrew name Hannah adds a layer of grace. In the United States, Anisa first appeared in records in 1958, but it saw its greatest usage in the early 2000s, peaking in 2005. Since 2004, its popularity has steadily declined, and in 2025 it ranked 2,751, with about 1 in 25,924 girls receiving the name. The name sees notable use in Minnesota, New York, and Ohio. For those seeking a name that is multicultural yet familiar, Anisa offers a balance of uniqueness and tradition.
Anisa is derived from the Arabic word 'anisa' meaning "friendly" or "companionable." It is also considered a variant of Hannah, from the Hebrew name Channah meaning "grace" or "favor." The name has been used across Muslim-majority countries and among Arabic-speaking communities, and it gained some usage in English-speaking regions in the late 20th century.
Where Anisa is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Anisa” around the world
Where Anisa lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
10
babies in 2024
Ireland
4
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ani, Nisa, Annie
Sibling names for Anisa
Names that share Anisa's style, for a brother or sister.
