Declining since 2017, #6,838 for girls today.
Popularity of Anneli since 1967
Babies named Anneli per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 5 |
| 1970s | 0 |
| 1980s | 33 |
| 1990s | 63 |
| 2000s | 121 |
| 2010s | 161 |
| 2020s | 111 |
Meaning & origin
Anneli entered U.S. records in 1967, debuting as a distinctive import from Scandinavia. Its popularity peaked in 2020, a year that saw its highest usage before entering a falling trajectory; since 2017, the name has declined, though it remains a subtle choice for parents seeking a melodic alternative to the perennial Anna. At rank 6,838 in 2025, with about 1 in 100,454 newborn girls receiving the name, Anneli is rare but not obscure. Its top state is California, reflecting a broader trend of multicultural naming in the West. The name's soft, feminine sound and grace-linked meaning give it a quiet appeal among those drawn to Nordic-inspired names.
Anneli is a Scandinavian and German diminutive of Anna, which itself derives from the Hebrew name Hannah, meaning 'grace' or 'favor'. It has been used as an independent given name in Sweden, Finland, and Germany since the mid-20th century.
Where Anneli is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Anni, Nelli, Lili, Anna
Sibling names for Anneli
Names that share Anneli's style, for a brother or sister.
