Aneesa
A girl's name of Arabic origin with 1,571 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
Aneesa has 1,571 recorded U.S. births across 57+ years, peaking at 159 in 2002. It occupies the space between “never heard of it” and “everyone has one in their class” — a name that feels personal without being obscure.
In the most recent SSA release, Aneesa ranks #5616 among U.S. girl names — distinctive enough to stand out.
Aneesa is a girl's baby name of Arabic origin, from the Arabic anisa, meaning 'friendly' or 'sociable, affectionate' — one who brings warmth and companionship to everyone around her. It is a variant of Anisa/Anis.
Aneesa is used across the Arab world and in Muslim communities in South Asia and East Africa. Its meaning of friendliness and affectionate companionship makes it a name that declares its bearer not just pleasant but genuinely warm — someone whose presence makes everyone feel welcome. The extra -e- spelling gives it a flowing visual quality that suits the name's gentle meaning.
EtymologyShow more
Aneesa first shows up in U.S. Social Security records in 1967. Arriving in the 1960s, Aneesa appeared during a period when American naming was beginning to diversify beyond the traditional Anglo-Saxon and biblical pools.
Its Arabic classification suggests a path from arabic linguistic traditions into American usage, though the specific route — whether through immigration, literature, or cultural exchange — would require deeper historical research.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Aneesa was #2203 twenty years ago and has since drifted to #5616, but its charm endures.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Avg Rank | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 109 | #5652 | ▼ |
| 2010s | 297 | #4897 | ▼ |
| 2000s | 802 | #2480 | ▲ |
| 1990s | 252 | #4358 | ▲ |
| 1980s | 100 | #6967 | ▲ |
| 1970s | 6 | #8612 | ▲ |
| 1960s | 5 | #6838 | — |
The Story of Aneesa
A Gen Z name
Peaking in 2002, Aneesa is a name that defines a generation. Girls named Aneesa are most likely born between 1992 and 2012.
How rare is Aneesa?
Only about 1 in every 163,636 babies born in 2024 was named Aneesa — a truly uncommon choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1967, gained momentum through the mid-century, peaked in the 2000s with 802 births that decade, and has since become a rare, vintage choice.
Aneesa by the numbers
- Would fill 33 school buses
- Meeting one Aneesa per day would take 4.3 years
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(47 years, 1967–2024)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 22 | #5616 |
| 2023 | 23 | #5401 |
| 2022 | 25 | #5178 |
| 2021 | 19 | #6191 |
| 2020 | 20 | #5873 |
| 2019 | 23 | #5452 |
| 2018 | 19 | #6268 |
| 2017 | 18 | #6554 |
| 2016 | 23 | #5634 |
| 2015 | 29 | #4733 |
| 2014 | 29 | #4779 |
| 2013 | 35 | #4166 |
| 2012 | 41 | #3787 |
| 2011 | 39 | #3845 |
| 2010 | 41 | #3747 |
| 2009 | 77 | #2465 |
| 2008 | 52 | #3224 |
| 2007 | 82 | #2328 |
| 2006 | 82 | #2309 |
| 2005 | 77 | #2317 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Aneesa a boy's or girl's name?
When was Aneesa most popular?
How popular is the name Aneesa?
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Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1967–2024