Anh Unisex
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: AHN /ɑːn/
Origin: Vietnamese
Meaning: peaceful; calm
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Anh is of Vietnamese origin, derived from the Sino-Vietnamese word "影" (hình), which translates to "shadow" or "image." The name is often associated with qualities such as beauty and grace, reflecting the cultural significance of aesthetics in Vietnamese society. The linguistic roots can be traced back to Chinese characters, which have influenced the Vietnamese language through centuries of cultural exchange and historical interaction, particularly during the periods of Chinese rule over Vietnam from the 2nd century BCE to the 10th century CE.
This influence has left a lasting impact on the Vietnamese lexicon, with many names incorporating Chinese characters and meanings. Historically, the use of the name Anh can be linked to various notable figures and cultural narratives within Vietnam.
For instance, during the Ly and Tran dynasties (11th to 14th centuries), names that conveyed virtues or desirable traits were highly valued. The name Anh, embodying beauty and elegance, aligns with these cultural ideals.
Additionally, the name has been used in literature and poetry, which flourished during the 20th century, as Vietnamese writers sought to express national identity and cultural pride through their works. Culturally, Anh is often associated with feminine qualities and is sometimes used in combination with other names to create meaningful expressions, such as Anh Thư, which can mean "beautiful image" or "elegant shadow." This reflects the Vietnamese tradition of name-giving, where names are often chosen for their auspicious meanings and the virtues they represent.
The enduring nature of the name Anh in Vietnamese culture underscores its deep-rooted significance and the values it embodies, making it a name that resonates with beauty and grace across generations.
Famous people named Anh
In this section, you will find notable people named Anh. We include individuals across a wide range of fields, including actors known for their work in film, television, and stage productions. You'll also find musicians, directors, and other public figures named Anh who have made a significant impact on popular culture.
We also feature individuals named Anh who have made meaningful contributions to science, politics, athletics, literature, and other areas of public interest.
Please note that not every baby name in our database currently has a famous namesake listed. If you would like to suggest a name we may have missed or submit a correction, feel free to contact us. We review and finalize additions and corrections within 24 hours.
Anh Do is an author and comedian best known for The Happiest Refugee, Anh's Brush with Fame, and his stand-up comedy performances.
Anh Khoa is a Vietnamese singer best known for his work in the pop music genre and participation in various music competitions.
Sibling suggestions
If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Anh, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.
Similar names
Based on our extensive baby names database, several names share stylistic or phonetic similarities with Anh. These names can serve as alternatives to the sibling suggestions listed above and may help you find the perfect complementary name for your growing family.
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Anh was first seen in the United States in 1975.
Anh has ranked as high as #1055 nationally, which occurred in 1984, and has been most popular in California, Texas, Washington, Florida, and Georgia.
In the past 5 years the name Anh has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
The name Anh is part of our comprehensive baby names database, which includes Social Security Administration (SSA) data dating back to 1880—the first official year of state and national tracking. The chart below shows when Anh was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.
Top States for Anh (2023)
We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. In some cases, you may see four or five states listed. However, we only display states where the name represents a significant percentage of births, so the number of states shown can range from one to several.
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| CA | 8 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
We track the national popularity of each baby name annually. The table below displays each year along with the number of births reported by the Social Security Administration. This data combines all state-level reporting from the SSA's baby names database to provide a comprehensive view of overall birth counts for Anh.
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 19 |
| 2023 | 18 |
| 2022 | 23 |
| 2021 | 21 |
| 2020 | 22 |
| 2019 | 15 |
| 2018 | 29 |
| 2017 | 15 |
| 2016 | 32 |
| 2015 | 30 |
| 2014 | 25 |
| 2013 | 17 |
| 2012 | 37 |
| 2011 | 23 |
| 2010 | 29 |
| 2009 | 35 |
| 2008 | 35 |
| 2007 | 28 |
| 2006 | 29 |
| 2005 | 22 |
| 2004 | 32 |
| 2003 | 43 |
| 2002 | 30 |
| 2001 | 28 |
| 2000 | 31 |
| 1999 | 28 |
| 1998 | 21 |
| 1997 | 22 |
| 1996 | 35 |
| 1995 | 23 |
| 1994 | 32 |
| 1993 | 39 |
| 1992 | 36 |
| 1991 | 31 |
| 1990 | 40 |
| 1989 | 45 |
| 1988 | 35 |
| 1987 | 42 |
| 1986 | 43 |
| 1985 | 54 |
| 1984 | 67 |
| 1983 | 59 |
| 1982 | 55 |
| 1981 | 63 |
| 1980 | 53 |
| 1979 | 27 |
| 1978 | 15 |
| 1977 | 8 |
| 1976 | 11 |
| 1975 | 10 |