Girl · Hebrew · New Testament

Anna

AN-uh · from Channah · means “Grace, favor”

Anna is a Hebrew name meaning "grace" or "favor," the Greek form of Hannah. A prophetess who had lived as a widow for decades, Anna worshiped in the temple night and day and, upon seeing the infant Jesus, gave thanks to God and spoke about Him to all who were looking for redemption (Luke 2:36-38).

“She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.”

The story behind the name

Anna was a prophetess, married for only seven years before becoming a widow, and by the time she appears in Luke's Gospel she was very old, having spent decades in the temple. Scripture says she never left the temple, worshiping night and day, fasting and praying (Luke 2:36-37).

When Mary and Joseph brought the infant Jesus to the temple to be dedicated, Anna arrived at that very moment. Alongside Simeon, she recognized the child for who He was, giving thanks to God and speaking about Jesus to everyone in Jerusalem who was waiting for redemption (Luke 2:38).

Anna's decades of quiet, faithful worship prepared her to recognize the Messiah the instant she saw Him. A daughter named Anna carries a name of grace and a legacy of persistent, hopeful devotion that watches faithfully for God's promises to unfold.

Middle names that sing with Anna

Chosen for rhythm and meanings that speak to each other.

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