Annamary

Meaning & origin

Annamary is a compound name that combines Anna and Mary, two classic and widely used names with deep biblical roots. First recorded in 1914, it reached its peak popularity in 1921, a time when double-barreled and hyphenated names were fashionable. Today, it remains a rare but recognizable choice; in 2025, its rank is 14,942, with an incidence of about 1 in 321,453 births. The name has held a stable trajectory over recent decades, never fading entirely but also never regaining its early-20th-century prominence. Its use is concentrated in the United States, though it has a classic feel that transcends regional trends. Annamary offers a way to incorporate two honored family names into one, with the flexibility of nicknames like Annie or Mary.

Annamary is a compound name formed from Anna and Mary, two enduring biblical names. Anna derives from the Hebrew Hannah, meaning 'grace', while Mary's exact origin is debated, though it is traditionally linked to the Hebrew Miryam, possibly meaning 'beloved' or 'bitter'. Such blendings became especially popular in the early 20th century, particularly in the United States, as parents sought to honor multiple family members or combine familiar sounds. Annamary was first recorded in 1914 and saw its peak usage in the 1920s, reflecting the era's fashion for hyphenated or double names.