Names That Mean Grace

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

Hulbert

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

Eastman is a solid, old-style Atlantic seaboard surname.  But as a first name, we think Easton works better.

Eastman

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

Anoeshka

Highly unusual; conceivable alternative to Daniel. 

Chaniel

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

Zaynab is the name of the Prophet Muhammad's oldest daughter.  When written as Zaynabu or Zainabu, it's a name found in both the Arabic and Swahili languages and cultures.

Zaynabu

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.

Annina

Panna is a name with many allusions — in addition to being a Hungarian variant of Anna (PAWN-naw) and a Hindi gemstone name (PAHN-nah), it is also a serene and sacred city in India and the Italian word for cream (PA-nuh). Panna might make a fresh alternative to Anna or Hannah. 

Panna

A cheerful twist on Joanne that's been in use since the 30s. 

Joyann

A compound name, blending classic, international Ana, and the modern Aubrey. It could be pronounced in two different ways. 

Aubreyana

Anouchka

A sweet combination of Anne and the -fien suffix, used in the Netherlands. Parents looking for a more unique alternative to Josephine may want to consider this dainty Dutch name.

Annefien

For Americans, a little too he for a she. 