Aanya
Girl name · 9 babies recorded · 1974–2025
Aanya: 9 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 5 births in 2014.
Originating from Sanskrit, the name Aanya means "grace" or "favour" and is often considered a variant of Anya, which itself is a Russian diminutive of Anna. In Scotland, it has risen steadily in popularity since the early 2000s, embraced for its melodic sound and cross-cultural appeal. While no prominent historical figures bear this exact spelling, the related Anya has been carried by actresses like Anya Taylor-Joy and Anya Chalotra. The name shares its etymological root with the Gaelic name Aine, meaning "radiance," but the two are distinct. A notable variant is the Hindi Aanya, sometimes spelled Anya or Anja, making it a versatile choice that connects Scottish nurseries to South Asian heritage. Its simplicity and elegance continue to win over modern parents seeking something both familiar and fresh.
Girl 2 of 52 years
- Peak year
- 20145 babies
- Latest (2014)
- #6035 babies
- Total births
- 9since 2013
- 5-year trend
- ≈ stablevs prior 5y