ENGLISH
REFERENCE

anna

n. countable
A1 Beginner US //ˈænə// UK //ˈænɐ// an·na Archaic

n. a common name for a woman or girl. It is used in many different languages and cultures around the world.

n. a female given name of Hebrew origin, meaning 'grace' or 'favour'. Widely used across various linguistic traditions, particularly in Europe and the Americas.


SIMPLE

Anna is my sister's name.

CONTEXTUAL

The teacher called on Anna to answer the question about the history of the city.

COMPLEX

While the name Anna remains a perennial favourite in many cultures, its popularity often fluctuates according to regional naming trends and historical influences.

Origin

From Late Latin Anna both directly and via numerous other languages, chiefly in reference to St Anne the apocryphal mother of Mary mother of Jesus but appearing in the Vulgate in reference to Anne the Prophetess, from Koine Greek Ἄννα (Ánna) in the New Testament, from Hebrew חַנָּה (Ḥannâ, “Hannah”), from חַנָּה (ḥannâ, “grace, gracious, graced with child”). As a city in Illinois, named for Anna Davie, wife of one of the initial settlers. Doublet of Ann, Anne, Ana, and Hannah.

Usage

As a proper noun, it is almost always capitalised.

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