Anna

Anna has become the dominant form of the Ann family, having been firmly in the Top 25 for years and only slipping in the past couple years. Anna offers a touch of the exotic and a bit more style than the oversimplified Ann, used for generations throughout Europe, from Russia to Italy, Spain to Romania--it is still Number 1 in Austria, Number 2 in Hungary, Number 8 in the Netherlands and Number 5 in Norway.

. Classic and simple, Anna would be an excellent choice for parents in search of a name that will bridge two different cultures, say Jewish and Italian.

In literature, Anna is associated with Tolstoy's Anna Karenina. The name was given some fresh life when it was used for the adorable younger sister voiced by Kristen Bell in the animated film Frozen. Three current bearers are actresses Anna Kendrick, Anna Friel and Anna Paquin.

Anya takes it more into the territory of the exotic.