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Anaiah

♀ Girl

Pronounced ah-NYE-uh /ɑˈnaɪ.ə/High

Meaning: From the Hebrew Anaiah, meaning 'Yahweh has answered', composed of Ana (to answer) and Yah (Yahweh, the Hebrew name of God); a biblical name borne by two men in the books of Nehemiah, now also used for girlsHigh

In 30 seconds: Anaiah is a meaningful Hebrew name meaning Yahweh has answered, carrying the sense of a prayer fulfilled. Historically male in the Bible, it is now used predominantly for girls in the United States.
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Origin HighHebrew
MeaningFrom the Hebrew Anaiah, meaning 'Yahweh has answered', composed of Ana (to answer) and Yah (Yahweh, the Hebrew name of God); a biblical name borne by two men in the books of Nehemiah, now also used for girls
U.S. rank (2025)#853 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births318 girls (0.02% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2025
Total births (all-time)≈ 3,444

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202519832025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Anaiah is a Hebrew name meaning 'Yahweh has answered', from ana (to answer, to respond) and Yah (a contracted form of Yahweh). The name appears twice in the Hebrew Bible: Anaiah the Levite who stood beside Ezra during the reading of the Torah (Nehemiah 8:4), and another Anaiah among those who sealed the covenant (Nehemiah 10:22). In both cases the bearer was male.

In the United States, Anaiah has been adopted primarily as a girls name in the 21st century, reflecting the broad trend of taking traditionally male Hebrew names — especially those with the theophoric -iah/-yah suffix — and using them for girls. Its soft, three-syllable sound and strong spiritual meaning make it appealing to parents who want a deeply meaningful biblical name.

Did you know? The concept of God answering prayers is one of the most central themes in the Hebrew Bible, and names meaning God has answered — like Anaiah, Anaiah, and Hannah (gracious answer) — reflect the deeply personal relationship between individuals and the divine in the Israelite religious tradition.
Overall data confidence 88%
Behind the Name — Anaiah — Hebrew etymology and biblical referencesNehemiah 8:4 and 10:22, Hebrew Bible — biblical bearer references

Variations

AnaiaAnayahAniah

Nicknames

AnaNaiahNia

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Anaiah…

Anaya— shares the Ana- opening and similar three-syllable soft feminine sound
Naiah— uses the same -aiah suffix and shares the Hebrew spiritual resonance
Ariah— fellow Hebrew-rooted -iah name used for girls in modern American culture
Azaiah— same category of biblical theophoric -aiah names now used for girls

Frequently Asked

What does the name Anaiah mean?

Anaiah means Yahweh has answered in Hebrew, from ana (to answer) and Yah (God) — a name expressing answered prayer.

How do you pronounce Anaiah?

It is said ah-NYE-uh, with three syllables.

Is Anaiah a boys or girls name?

Anaiah appears as a male name in the Bible but is now used primarily for girls in the United States.

Is Anaiah a popular name?

Anaiah is an uncommon but growing name on U.S. charts, particularly among families who value biblical Hebrew names.