Declining since 1985, #1,076 for girls today.
Popularity of Ann since 1880
Babies named Ann per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1957, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Ann's real moment was 1936.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 2,104 |
| 1890s | 4,688 |
| 1900s | 9,932 |
| 1910s | 39,506 |
| 1920s | 49,810 |
| 1930s | 64,060 |
| 1940s | 76,797 |
| 1950s | 87,047 |
| 1960s | 72,083 |
| 1970s | 32,030 |
| 1980s | 15,928 |
| 1990s | 7,897 |
| 2000s | 4,300 |
| 2010s | 2,738 |
| 2020s | 1,341 |
Meaning & origin
Ann reached its peak usage in the United States in 1936, when it was a common choice for baby girls. After decades of steady decline since 1985, the name ranked 1076th in 2025, given to roughly 1 in 7,143 newborn girls. Despite its decreasing frequency, Ann maintains a quiet presence, particularly in states like Mississippi, Alabama, and South Carolina, where it has historically been more popular. The name's simplicity and enduring connection to the Hebrew word for grace give it a lasting appeal that transcends trends.
Ann is the English and French form of the Latin Anna, which comes from the Greek Ἄννα (Anna), ultimately derived from the Hebrew name Channah (חַנָּה), meaning 'grace' or 'favor'. It has been used throughout the Christian world due to Saint Anne, traditionally the mother of the Virgin Mary, whose cult became widespread in the Middle Ages. The simplified spelling Ann became common in English-speaking countries and has been a staple given name for centuries.
Where Ann 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.
“Ann” around the world
Where Ann lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
Ireland
8
babies in 2025
Sources: CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Annie, Anna, Nan, Nancy
Sibling names for Ann
Names that share Ann's style, for a brother or sister.
Names like Ann
Names whose popularity has moved with Ann's over the last 50 years.
