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Anisa

Girl name · 33 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Anisa: 33 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 5 births in 2011.

Anisa is a feminine name of Arabic origin, derived from the word *anis*, meaning “friend” or “companion,” which gives it a warm, sociable feel. Variants include Anissa and Anisah. A well-known bearer was the American actress Anissa Jones, who played the sweet-natured Buffy on the 1970s sitcom *Family Affair*. The name also appears in Swahili with a similar meaning of “friendly.” There are no major places directly connected to Anisa, though its root *Anis* is a common male name across the Arabic-speaking world. In Scotland, Anisa has been used regularly since the 1990s, reflecting the country’s growing multicultural heritage. It remains a gentle, melodic choice that carries associations of loyalty and kindness.