Anita – Name Meaning
Anita is a female given name with multiple origins. It is derived from the Spanish diminutive of Ana, which is itself derived from the Hebrew name Hannah, meaning “grace” or “favor.” In some cases, Anita may also be derived from the Greek name Anastasia, meaning “resurrection.”
Origins
The name Anita has been used in many cultures throughout history. In Spanish-speaking countries, it is a popular diminutive of Ana, which is itself derived from the Hebrew name Hannah. The name Hannah means “grace” or “favor” and was popularized by the biblical figure of Hannah in the Old Testament. In some cases, Anita may also be derived from the Greek name Anastasia, meaning “resurrection.”
Popularity
Anita has been a popular name for centuries and continues to be so today. According to Social Security Administration data, Anita was one of the top 100 most popular names for girls born in the United States between 1880 and 2018. It peaked in popularity in the 1950s and 1960s but remains a popular choice today.
Famous People Named Anita
There are many famous people who have borne the name Anita over the years. These include:
- Anita Hill – American lawyer and professor who testified against Supreme Court nominee Clarence Thomas during his confirmation hearings.
- Anita Ekberg – Swedish actress best known for her role in Federico Fellini’s classic film La Dolce Vita.
- Anita Baker – Grammy Award-winning American singer-songwriter.
- Anita Roddick – British businesswoman and founder of The Body Shop.
Variations of the Name
The name Anita can also be spelled Annita or Anneta. There are also several variations of the name that have different origins, such as Anitra (Scandinavian), Anitta (Finnish), Annetta (Italian), and Annette (French).
