Girl name · Russian
Anya
“grace”
Vibes
Common nicknames
Short-forms and diminutives parents often use for Anya.
Explore Anya further
Similar-feel alternatives, or middle-name candidates that pair well with Anya — both ranked by the same scoring system (vibe overlap, syllable rhythm, origin compatibility).
About the name
Anya is the Russian diminutive of Anna, from Hebrew Hannah — grace, or favour. In Russian it is strictly a familiar form; nobody is christened Anya, they are christened Anna and called Anya by everyone.
English took it as a full name anyway, which is the usual fate of Slavic diminutives abroad. Anya in *The Cherry Orchard* and Anya in *Anastasia* have between them fixed its register as young, a little wistful, Russian.
Two syllables, said AHN-ya. Short enough to carry a long middle (Anya Seraphina). On our vibe map it is Soft & Dreamy.
More Russian names
Anya sits in our Russian set — these share its roots.
All Russian names →Anya — common questions
Is Anya a boy or girl name?
Anya is traditionally a girl name of Russian origin.
What does the name Anya mean?
Anya means “grace” of Russian origin. Anya is the Russian diminutive of Anna, from Hebrew Hannah — grace, or favour. In Russian it is strictly a familiar form; nobody is christened Anya, they are christened Anna and called Anya by everyone.
Where does the name Anya come from?
Anya is Russian in origin. English took it as a full name anyway, which is the usual fate of Slavic diminutives abroad. Anya in *The Cherry Orchard* and Anya in *Anastasia* have between them fixed its register as young, a little wistful, Russian.
What are common nicknames for Anya?
Anny and Nya — the short-forms parents most often use for Anya.
How popular is Anya?
Anya did not make the top 1,000 girls' names in US Social Security Administration data for 2025, which makes it genuinely rare in the US.
Bring the name into the room
A couple of nice things named Anya you might want for the nursery.