About the name Anna
Etymology & meaning
The name Anna comes from the Hebrew Hannah (חַנָּה), meaning "grace", "mercy" or "favour". Via the Greek Ἄννα and Latin Anna it entered nearly every European language and became one of the most universal female names in the Christian world. In Bulgarian it appears as both Ана and Анна (with one or two letter "н" depending on tradition), and through the diminutives Ани, Анче, Анета, Анита and Анелия.
History & patron saint
The patron of the name is Saint Anne — in Orthodox tradition the mother of the Virgin Mary and grandmother of Jesus Christ. According to her life, she and Joachim were childless until old age; her miraculous conception of the Virgin Mary is honoured by the Church on 9 December (Conception of Saint Anne) and her repose on 25 July (Dormition of Saint Anne). In Bulgarian Orthodox tradition, Saint Anne is regarded as a patron of motherhood, expectant mothers and children, and her icons hang in many monasteries and chapels dedicated to family life.
Traditions & customs
The name day of Anna is celebrated twice a year — on 25 July and 9 December. By tradition the celebrant bakes a sweet bread or banitsa and welcomes family and friends, who bring flowers, sweets and wishes for health and good fortune. It is customary not to ask whether a celebration will be held — guests come uninvited. In smaller towns and villages the older custom of "почерпка" still holds, with neighbours stopping by with a small gift and a taste of the home-baked treat.
Popularity & notable bearers
Anna has been among the ten most popular female names in Bulgaria throughout the 20th and 21st centuries and is one of the rare names that retains high standing across every generation — from great-grandmothers to today's newborns. Notable Bulgarian Annas include the writer Anna Kamenova, the opera soprano Anna Tomova-Sintow and the journalist Anya Pencheva. Internationally the name is borne by countless saints, queens and artists, lending it a timeless appeal.
Suitable gifts
A classic name-day gift for Anna is a bouquet of white or pink flowers (lilies or roses in particular), a box of chocolates, or a cake shared with the guests. More personal gifts often include an icon of Saint Anne, a piece of jewellery engraved with the name, or a book — Anna is regarded as a thoughtful, calm name, and literature is always a fitting choice.