Names That Mean Grace

A bit like Annelise in reverse, Lisanne is a sleek but gentle Dutch compound name that was popular in the 2010s. 

Lisanne

This elaborate pet form of the classic Ann is used (in various spellings) in several parts of Europe.

Anuschka

Quaint, quirky, and slightly clunky, Shirleyann is a smoosh name with a 30s feel about it. An unexpected vintage choice, a potential honor name, or perhaps for diehard fans of Anne of Green Gables (though maybe Shirleyanne would be better).

Shirleyann

A two word compound name that doesn't sound too descriptive or overly wordy, Ivy-Grace blends two well-established but contemporary favorites. 

Ivy-grace

Although the saintly Gratia was male -- Blessed Gratia of Kotor -- this name feels quite female today.

Gratia

A smoosh name, blending modern Aubrey with classic Anna.

Aubreyanna

This rare name combines the Scandi Siri with the classic Anna into one enchanting name. For anyone who loves Siri but finds it unusable due to the association with the digital assistant, Sirianna could be a beautiful alternative.

Sirianna

Anoeschka

Anousjka

Popular in Italy where it ranks in the Top 200, Annachiara is a distinctive smoosh name, blending international Anna with sparky Chiara. Together, they form the meanings "grace and light" or "clear and graceful", which could be interpreted as spiritual or secular. 
 
Notable bearers include influencer Annachiara Zoppas and fashion editor Annachiara Biondi.

Annachiara

Also spelled as Ancuța, this name is predominantly used as a nickname for Anca in Romania. Ultimately, it may derive from Anna, meaning "grace", though its etymological roots are slightly hazy.  Actress Ancuta Breaban is a notable bearer. 

Ancuta

This intriguing Dutch name combines Anne with the -mijn suffix. Those unfamiliar with Dutch may struggle with the pronunciation, but the nickname possibilities and elegant sound make Annemijn an attractive choice. A notable namesake is Annemijn van Munster van Heuven, lady-in-waiting to King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands. In her case, Annemijn is a nickname for Anna Magdalena. 

Annemijn

Typically considered a combination of Anna and Carolien, the Dutch Annelien blends two international classics into one. It may also be seen as a compound of Anna plus Evelien, Paulien, Celien, Evangelien, or similar, and depening on which -lien name you're thinking of, the meaning may alter. 
Notable bearers include TV host and former Miss Belgium Annelien Coorevits, clarinettist Annelien Van Wauwe, food scientist and writer Annelien Pienaar, and historian Annelien de Dijn.
 
Anneline is used as an Afrikaans variation of the name, as well as a Norwegian cognate.

Annelien

A sweet Slavic Anna name that feels fresher than Annette.

Aneta

Used predominantly in Romania, Anca is possibly a variation of Anica and Anna, both meaning "grace", though this is conjecture rather than a solid etymological link. Other interpretations could be that it derived from Bianca ("white, fair") or Angelica ("angelic"). 

Anca

A Spanish compound name, also appearing as Ana Belén, this is a familiar choice in its native Spain. It combines classic Ana ("grace") with Belén ("Bethlehem, house of bread"), giving it a spiritual vibe. This smooshed form is used quietly in the US, given to 5 girls in a recent year. 

Anabelen

Anoeshka

A currently popular name in Finland with an appealing -o ending and lovely meaning. It could work in anglophone countries too (though, a caution, in the UK it is a bin company).




Sulo

A sweet yet substantial diminutive of classic Anna, Annoula has appeared in the title of an early Greek film, Annoula's Dowry, and in a song by Antonis Kalogiannis, Annoula Tou Chionia "Annoula of the snowstorm".

Annoula

Elegant and sparky at the same time, Annina is an elaborate Italian form of the international Anna. A sweet and unexpected way to get to nicknames Annie or Nina, the name was briefly popular in Sweden in the 2000s. Meaning "grace" (from Hebrew), Annina is notably borne by designers Annina Pfuel  and Annina Vogel — and more recently, it was chosen by Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank	for their daughter's middle name, born in 2026.