Declining since 2021.
Popularity of Anu since 1972
Babies named Anu per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2004, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Anu's real moment was 2020.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1970s | 21 | 0 |
| 1980s | 25 | 0 |
| 1990s | 50 | 0 |
| 2000s | 75 | 5 |
| 2010s | 67 | 22 |
| 2020s | 44 | 58 |
Meaning & origin
Anu is a name with multiple cultural layers, from the Sanskrit 'aṇu' meaning 'atom' to the Sumerian sky god. Its first recorded use in the U.S. was in 1972, and it saw a peak year in 2020, though it has been declining since 2021. The name remains rare, not appearing in the top 1000, reflecting its niche appeal. Its versatility across cultures makes it distinctive.
Anu has multiple origins. In India, it is from Sanskrit 'aṇu' meaning 'atom' or 'minute'. In ancient Sumerian mythology, Anu was the god of the sky. Additionally, in Finland, Anu is a common diminutive of Anna, derived from the Hebrew Hannah. The name has been used across cultures with these distinct roots.
Sibling names for Anu
Names that share Anu's style, for a brother or sister.
