Anita

girlSpanishChristianHindu

Anita is a Christian girl name of Spanish, from Hebrew origin, meaning “Grace; a form of Ana”.

MeaningGrace; a form of Ana
GenderGirl
OriginSpanish, from Hebrew
Pronunciationuh-NEE-tuh
TraditionChristian, Hindu
Used inIndia, Spain, Netherlands, United States

Meaning and origin of Anita

Anita is a Spanish and Portuguese diminutive of Ana, from the Hebrew Channah, meaning grace or favour. It spread across Europe and the Americas in the twentieth century. The name also became very popular in India, where some families connect it with Sanskrit roots, though the Spanish origin is the established one. Notable bearers include the novelist Anita Desai and the singer Anita Baker.

Is Anita a Christian name?

Through Anna, Anita traces back to Hannah, mother of the prophet Samuel. In India it is used by Hindu, Christian and Sikh families alike as a modern name.

How popular is Anita?

Very common in the mid-twentieth century in India and Europe; less common for babies today.

Gifts with the name Anita

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Spellings and variants of Anita

Names similar to Anita

More Christian girl names

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Anita mean?

Anita means 'Grace; a form of Ana'. It is of Spanish, from Hebrew origin.

Is Anita a Christian name?

Through Anna, Anita traces back to Hannah, mother of the prophet Samuel. In India it is used by Hindu, Christian and Sikh families alike as a modern name.

How do you pronounce Anita?

Anita is pronounced uh-NEE-tuh.

Is Anita a boy or girl name?

Anita is usually a girl name.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.