Declining since 1985, #1,341 for girls today.
Popularity of Anita since 1880
Babies named Anita per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 365 |
| 1890s | 1,191 |
| 1900s | 2,149 |
| 1910s | 9,555 |
| 1920s | 18,052 |
| 1930s | 22,224 |
| 1940s | 32,531 |
| 1950s | 47,588 |
| 1960s | 44,416 |
| 1970s | 18,834 |
| 1980s | 8,594 |
| 1990s | 4,571 |
| 2000s | 2,471 |
| 2010s | 1,695 |
| 2020s | 929 |
Meaning & origin
Anita is a name that saw its peak in the United States in 1958, when it ranked among the most popular names for girls. Since then, its usage has declined, with a falling trajectory beginning around 1985. In 2025, it ranked 1,341st, with approximately 1 in 9,741 newborns receiving the name. The name has been most common in states like Wisconsin, Oregon, and Washington, reflecting a regional preference during its heyday. Anita's Spanish roots give it a cross-cultural appeal, and it remains a recognizable yet uncommon choice today.
Anita is a Spanish diminutive of Ana, itself derived from the Hebrew name Hannah, meaning 'grace' or 'favor.' The name entered English usage in the 19th century and enjoyed particular popularity in the mid-20th century, especially in the United States.
Where Anita 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.
“Anita” around the world
Where Anita lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
55
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ani, Nita, Annie
Sibling names for Anita
Names that share Anita's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Carmen, Elena, Rosa, Teresa, Sofia, Larita, Neela, Sarita, Sona, Anetra, Charlita, Norita, Senora, Sheela, Shilpa, Vinita, Vonita, Amita, Dawnita, Marlita, Marqueta, Monita, Morrisa, Rekha, Telecia, Yolunda, Alnita, Anitria, Aritha, Kennita, Madhavi, Neeta, Reeta
Brothers: Carlos, Manuel, Jose, Antonio, Luis, Anil, Deepak, Nitin, Rakesh, Ramesh, Dinesh, Suresh
Names like Anita
Names whose popularity has moved with Anita's over the last 50 years.
