ann
n. countablen. a common female name in English-speaking countries. It is a short, classic name that has been used for hundreds of years.
n. a female given name of Hebrew origin, meaning 'grace'. While historically common as a primary name, it is now frequently used as a middle name in English-speaking cultures.
My friend Ann is coming over for dinner tonight.
The teacher called out for Ann to come to the front of the classroom to collect her prize.
Although the name Ann has seen a decline in popularity as a first name since the mid-twentieth century, it remains a staple middle name due to its rhythmic versatility.
From Late Latin Anna chiefly in reference to St Anne the apocryphal mother of Mary mother of Jesus but appearing in the Vulgate in reference to Anna the Prophetess, from Koine Greek Ἄννα (Ánna, “Anna”) in the New Testament, from Hebrew חַנָּה (Ḥannâ, “Hannah”), from חַנָּה (ḥannâ, “grace, gracious, graced with child”). Occasionally reborrowed from languages who adopted the name from English. Very infrequently from Estonian abbreviation of Anna instead. Doublet of Ana, Anna, Anne, and Hannah.
Habitational surname from Abbotts Ann in Hampshire, named for the stream that runs through it, which is most probably named with an ancient Welsh word meaning "ash tree stream". Compare Welsh onn (“ash tree”).
As a proper noun, it is always capitalized.