Anna Maria - Name Meaning
Anna Maria is a female given name of Latin origin, derived from the combination of two names: Anna and Maria. The name Anna is derived from the Hebrew name Hannah, which means “grace” or “favor”. Maria is a Latin form of the Greek name Mariam, which means “bitter” or “beloved”. Together, Anna Maria can be interpreted to mean “graceful beloved”.
History and Popularity
The combination of Anna and Maria has been used as a given name since at least the 16th century. It was popularized in Europe by the Catholic Church, as it was often used to honor Mary, the mother of Jesus. In recent years, Anna Maria has become increasingly popular in the United States, particularly among Hispanic families. As of 2019, it was the 545th most popular female baby name in the United States.
Variations
Anna Maria can also be spelled in various ways, including Annamaria, Anamaria, Annamarie, Anamarie, Annemarie and Anemarie. There are also several variations that combine other names with Anna and/or Maria, such as Annabelle Maria and Marianna.
Famous People Named Anna Maria
There are many famous people who have been given the name Anna Maria or one of its variations. These include Italian actress Anna Maria Ferrero; German-American singer Annemarie Eilfeld; American actress Anamarie McCready; Spanish singer Ana Belén; and American actress Annabella Sciorra.
