Declining since 1994, #3,067 for girls today.
Popularity of Anissa since 1966
Babies named Anissa per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 1,352 |
| 1970s | 3,043 |
| 1980s | 747 |
| 1990s | 3,418 |
| 2000s | 2,419 |
| 2010s | 1,091 |
| 2020s | 428 |
Meaning & origin
Anissa entered the U.S. naming landscape in 1966 and saw its peak in 1971, during the decade of the 1970s. Since 1994, its usage has been on a steady decline, but it still holds nostalgic appeal for those seeking a name with Arabic roots that feels familiar in English. With a ranking of 3067 in 2025, and a frequency of 1 in 30,326 newborns, it remains a moderately rare choice. The name has historically been most common in California and New York, states with diverse populations where Arabic and multicultural names thrive. Anissa blends the graceful sound of Anne with a subtle exotic touch, making it a distinctive yet accessible option.
Anissa is primarily a feminine name of Arabic origin, derived from Anisa (أنيسة) meaning 'friendly, gracious, companion'. It is also a variant of Annis, a medieval English name of uncertain origin (possibly Hebrew Hannah), and a French diminutive of Anne. The Arabic form gained popularity among English-speaking communities in the mid-20th century.
Where Anissa 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.
“Anissa” around the world
Where Anissa lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
90
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Annie, Nissa, Ani
Sibling names for Anissa
Names that share Anissa's style, for a brother or sister.
