Honor Someone Called 'Ann'

  1. Anson
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "son of Anne"
    • Description:

      Anson has always been rare, though you might think of actor Anson Williams, best known for playing Potsie Weber on 1970s sitcom Happy Days. As a direct result of the show's popularity, Anson charted in the US Top 1000 from 1976 to 1981.
  2. Annette
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "grace"
    • Description:

      Annette is a French diminutive of Ann which was among the first wave of widely-used girls' names from France, now neglected for so long that it's almost starting to feel stylish again.
  3. Antoinette
    • Origin:

      French feminine diminutive form of Antoine
    • Meaning:

      "priceless one"
    • Description:

      This feminization of Anthony, like other early French forms, such as Babette and Nanette, is not heard as often as it once was, but it could be time for a reappraisal of this delicate Gallic choice.
  4. Fanny
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Frances, English from Latin
    • Meaning:

      "from France; free man"
    • Description:

      As this word is less often used to mean derriere, it becomes more possible to view Fanny as the kind of appealingly quaint nickname name, like Josie and Nellie, that many parents are favoring now.
  5. Anwen
    • Origin:

      Welsh
    • Meaning:

      "very fair, beautiful"
    • Description:

      Anwen is one of the simplest and best of the classic Welsh girls' names, more unusual than Bronwen but with the same serene feel.
  6. Rosanna
    • Origin:

      Combination of Rose and Anna
    • Description:

      Rose lovers today would probably prefer Rosemary, Rosamund, or even Rose itself, all more stylish variations of the name. Some may associate this form of the name with actress Rosanna Arquette and your mom may think of SNL's Rosanne Rosanna-Danna, though that reference is lost on millennials.
  7. Antonio
    • Origin:

      Spanish and Italian variation of Anthony
    • Meaning:

      "from Antium"
    • Description:

      Antonio is a Shakespearean favorite -- the Bard used it in no less than five of his plays, and has long been a ubiquitous classic in Spanish-speaking countries, where the nickname Tonio is also prevalent. Antonio is also among an elite group of perennially popular names in the US, where it has always been among the boys' Top 1000 since baby name record-keeping started in 1880.
  8. Anaise
    • Origin:

      Variation of Anais
    • Description:

      Anais, the name forever attached to the daring French-born American novelist and diarist Anais Nin, is unusual and French enough without appending an e, though some may think it clarifies pronunciation.
  9. Roseanne
    • Origin:

      Combination of Rose and Anne
    • Description:

      Forever -- or at least for a while -- linked to the onetime "Domestic Goddess", Roseanne Barr.
  10. Louann
    • Origin:

      Compound name, a blend of Lou and Ann
    • Meaning:

      "strong in battle and grace"
    • Description:

      A vowel heavy compound name with sounds that are familiar but seem unexpected and interesting when placed next to each other. Louann did feature at the latter end of the US Top 1000 between the 30s and 60s, but in recent years, it has only been given to a small handful of girls. Still, with the look of Elowen about it and the sounds of Luna, perhaps there is still a future for Louann?
  11. Annelie
    • Description:

      Annelie is a charming feminine name with Germanic and Scandinavian origins. It developed as a variation of Anneli, which itself is a Nordic diminutive of Anna. The name combines the grace of Anne (meaning 'grace' or 'favor') with a melodic ending that gives it a delicate, lyrical quality. Popular in Sweden, Germany, and other Northern European countries, Annelie remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking regions, making it distinctive yet accessible. The name carries an air of classic femininity with a European flair. Its gentle sound pattern and connection to the timeless Anna family of names gives Annelie both traditional roots and a fresh feel, appealing to parents seeking a name that's both pretty and subtly distinctive.
  12. Annamae
    • Origin:

      Compound name, blending Anna and Mae
    • Meaning:

      "graceful pearl; grace and bitterness; grace of the mother"
    • Description:

      Combining two classic names, Annamae has both vintage charm and a playful spark to it. The meaning can vary depending on which of Mae's root you choose to follow; a diminutive of Margaret, Mary, and Maia, you can play around with the meaning to find the one you like best.
  13. Lantana

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