Home β€Ί Baby Names Directory β€Ί Ani

Ani

♀ Girl

Pronounced AH-nee /ΛˆΙ‘Λ.ni/High

Meaning: to chirp, to animate, to blow gentlyMedium

In 30 seconds: Ani is a multicultural name meaning animation or grace in Hawaiian, and the name of the ancient capital of Armenia. A short warm two-syllable name with global heritage.
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Origin MediumHawaiian, Hebrew, Armenian
Meaningto chirp, to animate, to blow gently
U.S. rank (2024)#2321 β†— Rising
2024 U.S. births79 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2007
Total births (all-time)β‰ˆ 3,125

Popularity in the U.S. Β· SSA data

peak 200719582024

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

History & Origin

Ani has independent origins. In Hawaiian it means to animate, chirp, or blow gently. In Armenian it refers to the medieval capital Ani. It is also a short form of Anna (Hebrew: grace) and Anita.

Ani is used across Hawaii, Armenia, and Latin America. Singer Ani DiFranco made it familiar in North America as a standalone name.

Did you know? The ancient Armenian city of Ani (founded c. 5th century AD) was once called the City of 1001 Churches β€” an archaeological wonder on the Turkish-Armenian border, giving this name profound historical weight.
Overall data confidence 78%
Pukui & Elbert, Hawaiian Dictionary β€” reference for AniArmenian Name Studies β€” reference for AniBehind the Name: Ani β€” name etymology reference

Variations

AnnaAnitaAnikaAnia

Nicknames

An

Famous Bearers

  • β˜…Ani DiFranco (1970–present)
    American singer-songwriter, founder of Righteous Babe Records, and a prominent feminist and LGBTQ+ icon.

If you like Ani…

Niaβ€” short two-syllable feminine name with similar global use
Miaβ€” short feminine name of similar brevity and sweetness
Liaβ€” short feminine name with similar character
Tiaβ€” short feminine name with multicultural roots
Kiaβ€” short two-syllable name of similar character

Frequently Asked

What does Ani mean?

Ani means to animate or chirp in Hawaiian, and is the name of the ancient Armenian capital. It is also short for Anna meaning grace.

How do you pronounce Ani?

Ani is pronounced AH-nee (/ΛˆΙ‘Λ.ni/), with two syllables.

Is Ani a girl's name?

Yes, Ani is used as a feminine name across Hawaiian, Armenian, and Latin American traditions.

How popular is the name Ani?

Ani is used across Hawaii, Armenia, and Latin America, and known in North America through singer Ani DiFranco.