Meaning & Origin
vocative singular of anas
Anais is a girl's and boy's baby name of French origin, a Catalan and Provencal form of Anna, from the Hebrew channah meaning "grace" or "favor." It has an effortless French elegance — typically pronounced "ah-nah-EES" — that has made it beloved in France and beyond.
Anais Nin, the French-Cuban-American author and diarist, is the name's most celebrated modern bearer, lending it an association with literary adventurousness and feminine intellect. The name has a romantic, slightly bohemian quality that resonates with parents who love French style.