Anu

♂ Boy

Pronounced AH-noo /ˈɑ.nu/High

Meaning: From the Sanskrit anu, 'an atom; minute; fine'; also a short form of names like Anubhav, and the name of an ancient Mesopotamian sky god; used for both sexes; here for boys; routes layeredLow

In 30 seconds: An atom; minute; fine: Anu is Sanskrit. Crisp, classic, and warm. Used for both sexes (here for boys).

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Origin LowSanskrit

MeaningFrom the Sanskrit anu, 'an atom; minute; fine'; also a short form of names like Anubhav, and the name of an ancient Mesopotamian sky god; used for both sexes; here for boys; routes layered

U.S. rank (2025)#8308 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births9 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2023

Total births (all-time)≈ 84

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Anu comes from the Sanskrit anu, 'an atom; minute; fine'; it is also a short form of names like Anubhav, and the name of an ancient Mesopotamian sky god (routes layered, which we note). Used for both sexes, here for a boy (slug distinguished; said 'AH-noo').

In the U.S. it appears in Indian and Finnish families. Rare, an-atom at the root, and classic.

Did you know? Anu means 'an atom; minute; fine' in Sanskrit (also a short form of Anubhav) — used for both sexes (here for a boy; the routes are layered; said 'AH-noo').

Overall data confidence 32%

References — Anu — unisex; routes layered

Variations

AnooAnuj

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

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By themeuncertain unisex sanskrit south-asian

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Anu mean?

Anu is Sanskrit for 'an atom; minute; fine'; also a short form and a sky-god name; used for both sexes; here for a boy. The routes are layered.

How do you pronounce Anu?

It's said AH-noo /ˈɑ.nu/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Anu a boy or girl name?

Anu is used for both sexes; this page covers its use as a boy's name.

How popular is Anu?

Anu is a very rare name in the U.S.