Holding steady.
Popularity of Annai since 1988
Babies named Annai per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1980s | 6 |
| 1990s | 46 |
| 2000s | 108 |
| 2010s | 7 |
| 2020s | 5 |
Meaning & origin
Annai entered the U.S. naming record in 1988, but it has never been a common choice, never ranking in the top 1,000. Its most popular year was 2000, yet even then its frequency was extremely low. The name's trajectory has remained stable, with minimal fluctuation, suggesting it is used by a very small number of families each year. Annai is almost certainly a modern variant of the classic name Anna, which traces back to the Hebrew Hannah, meaning 'grace'. The distinctive -ai ending gives it a fresh feel without straying far from tradition. Parents choosing Annai are likely drawn to its subtle originality while maintaining the familiar and beloved sound of Anna.
Annai is a rare modern variant of Anna, which itself derives from the Hebrew name Hannah (Channah), meaning 'grace' or 'favor'. The name Anna appears in the New Testament as a prophetess. The -ai ending may be influenced by other names or a recent stylistic spelling. Its usage in the United States dates back to 1988, but it remains uncommon.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Annie, Anna, Nan, Nai
Sibling names for Annai
Names that share Annai's style, for a brother or sister.
