How to say it
AN · ya
ˈɑːn.jə
Feminine
Anya
Grace
What it means
A Russian and Slavic form of Anna, from the Hebrew Hannah, 'grace' or 'favor.'
Anya is the Russian and wider Slavic pet form of Anna, which goes back to the Hebrew Hannah, 'grace.' It long ago became a name in its own right and travels easily into English, soft and quick. The lost princess Anya in the Anastasia story and actress Anya Taylor-Joy keep it visible. Said AHN-yah. It sits in the broad Anna family with Ana and Anaïs.
How to spell Anya
The standard spelling is Anya. Common variants include Ania, Anja, Aanya, but Anya is the most widely used form.
Popularity over time
peaked at #363 in 2009, currently #375 in 2025.
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration, names given to at least 5 babies in a year, 1880–2025. Reviewed July 2026. See where the names are moving
Heads-up notes
- Pronunciation
AHN-yah.
- Spelling
The Russian/Slavic form of Anna, 'grace.'
Who's worn it
Historical figures, characters, and public faces who share the name. The cultural surface, for whatever weight you want to give it.
- Anya Taylor-Joy actress (The Queen's Gambit)
Spelling variants
- Ania
- Anja
- Aanya
Names with the same feeling
See Anya from another angle
By meaning
Common questions
- What does the name Anya mean?
- A Russian and Slavic form of Anna, from the Hebrew Hannah, 'grace' or 'favor.'
- What does Anya mean in Russian?
- In Russian, Anya means "Grace." Anya is the Russian and wider Slavic pet form of Anna, which goes back to the Hebrew Hannah, 'grace.' It long ago became a name in its own right and travels easily into English, soft and quick. The lost princess Anya in the Anastasia story and actress Anya Taylor-Joy keep it visible. Said AHN-yah. It sits in the broad Anna family with Ana and Anaïs.
- Is Anya short for Anna?
- Yes. Anya is a short form of Anna, and it carries the same meaning, "Grace." These days many parents use Anya as a given name in its own right, not only as a nickname.
- How do you pronounce Anya?
- Anya is pronounced ˈɑːn.jə. Say it as AN-ya, with the stress on the "an" syllable.
- How do you spell Anya?
- The standard spelling is Anya. Common spelling variants include Ania, Anja, Aanya.
- Is Anya a boy or girl name?
- Anya is traditionally a feminine name.
- How popular is the name Anya?
- Anya ranked #375 in the U.S. in 2025, according to Social Security Administration data.