Anita

Fact-checked by Jaime Babiera

1. Anita name meaning and origin

Anita is a feminine given name that originated as a Spanish variation of Ana. The name ultimately derives from the Hebrew Hannah (חַנָּה), meaning 'grace.' This connection to grace has contributed to the name's enduring worldwide popularity since the 13th century.

By the 20th century, Anita had spread throughout North America. It gained significance prominence in the US during 1950s. The name's melodious quality, with its soft consonants and open vowel sounds, made it appealing across linguistic boundaries. While retaining its Spanish associations, Anita has become firmly established as an independent given name rather than simply a diminutive form.

Anita

References:

Anita Name Meaning and Anita Family History at FamilySearch

2. Anita name popularity

Girl

Boy

in 2023

from 2022

Popularity of Anita

United States

United Kingdom

Anita is predominantly a feminine name in both the United States and the United Kingdom. Although records indicate occasional masculine usage in the US, it remains primarily associated with women. The name has Spanish and Hindi origins, meaning "grace" or "without guile," which contributes to its international appeal.

Despite its elegant sound and cultural versatility, Anita hasn't maintained consistent ranking prominence in recent popularity charts in either country. This suggests the name has moved past its peak popularity periods, which occurred primarily during the mid-20th century. Today, Anita maintains a classic status while being less frequently chosen for newborns compared to its heyday.

3. Anita in Popular Culture: Characters in Fiction

The name Anita has been used in various forms of fiction, both in classic literature and present media. A list of some prominent characters bearing the name in fictional works is listed below.

Literature:

Anita Blake - The primary heroine in the “Anita Blake: Hunter Series.” She lives in St. Louis and works as a necromancer, vampire executioner, and expert consultant.

Anita Fite - From the DC Comics “ Young Justice”. She possesses various magical abilities, including mind control and teleportation.

Film and Television:

Anita - From the film “ West Side Story” . She is the girlfriend of Bernardo and serves as a confidante to the protagonist, Maria.

Anita Miller - She is a character from the film “Almost Famous” . She inspires his brother to pursue rock music by giving him her whole record collection.

4. Celebrities with the Name Anita

Aside from fiction, the name Anita has also been carried by real-life figures in entertainment, sports, and music. From actors to athletes, these celebrities have helped keep the name visible in popular culture.

Historical Figures:

Anita Ekberg

Famous for her iconic role in Federico Fellini's “La Dolce Vita”, particularly the Trevi Fountain scene.

Anita Mui

She is known as the ‘Madonna of Asia’ and the ‘Queen of Hong Kong’s pop music.

Anita Pallenberg

An Italian-German Actress, Model, and Style Icon. A model and actress, known for her relationships with Rolling Stones members Brian Jones and Keith Richard.

Anita O'Day

An American jazz singer who is well-known for her intelligent and skilful singing techniques.

O'Day in 2005

Image source: Wikipedia

Anita Brookner

She is an award-winning novelist and a Booker Prize winner for her book “Hotel du Lac.”

Contemporary Figures:

Anita Baker

An eight-time Grammy winner with famous hits like, “Sweet Love” and “Giving You the Best That I Got.”

Anita Hill

She is an American attorney who gained public attention for her 1991 testimony alleging US Supreme Court nominee Clarence Thomas of sexual harassment.

Anita Dongre

She is the founder of the House of Anita Dongre, a huge Indian fashion brand known for promoting sustainable fashion and preserving traditional handicrafts.

Anita Rani

An award-winning broadcaster who hosted major BBC programs like “Countryfile" and "Woman's Hour."

Anita Dobson

She is a British actress known for her iconic role as Queen Vic's landlady, Angie Watts, in the BBC soap opera “EastEnders”.

Anita Desai

An Indian author who writes English-language books known for using visual images to evoke moods. She is a three-time Booker Prize finalist for works such as “Clear Light of Day" and "Fasting, Feasting.”

Anita Sarkeesian

She is the creator of the nonprofit “Feminist Frequency" that intends to eliminate the toxic and abusive culture in the games industry.

5. Variations and nicknames of Anita

Beyond these origins, this melodic name has various international variants. In Italian communities, Annetta serves as a common alternative, while Russian speakers might use Annushka or Anya. German-speaking regions favor Annette or Annett, , and French speakers often use Anny. The Polish variant Aneta further demonstrate how this name has been adapted across European languages. In Swedish and Dutch, , Annika represents a popular derivative that has gained independent recognition.

Beyond formal variants, Anita boasts numerous endearing nicknames used by family and friends. The playful diminutives Ani and Nita are perhaps the most common, often used interchangeably depending on personal preference. Those seeking more distinctive diminutives might opt for Anka and Anica. In childhood settings, playful nicknames like Annie-Bear, Ani-Pop, Ani-J, or Ani Andy might emerge. The versatility of Anita demonstrates how a seemingly straightforward name can blossom into many affectionate forms across different relationships and cultural contexts, each carrying its own special connection to the individual who bears this elegant name.

6. Best name combinations with Anita

names that pair well with Anita:

Anita Rose
Anita Lilly
Anita Malika
Anita Grace
Anita Marie
Anita Halima
Anita Farzana
Anita Adi
Anita Zephyr
Anita Joy
Anita Isabella
Anita Juliette
Anita Avery
Anita Niamh
Anita Dara
Anita
Anita Victoria
Anita Carmen
Anita Mira
Anita Genevieve
Devi Anita
Leena Anita
Uma Anita
Meena Anita
Lucia Anita
Kay Anita
Jane Anita
Gena Anita
Sila Anita
Maya Anita
Olivia Anita
Tina Anita
Shabana Anita
Nisa Anita
Eva Anita
Yasmin Anita
Shiva Anita
Keli Anita

7. Numerology of Anita name

Destiny Number (Expression Number):

9
A = 1, N = 5, I = 9, T = 2, A = 1: 1+5+9+2+1 = 18 = 1+8 = 9
Number 9 represents socialization, compassion, and humanitarian impulses. Those with a 9 Destiny tend to be selfless, giving, and concerned with the greater good. In careers, they excel in positions that serve humanity, such as teaching, counseling, or the spirituality. In relationships, they need someone who can understand their need for empathy and growth.

Soul Urge Number (Heart's Desire):

2
Vowels: A = 1, I = 9, A = 1: 1+9+1 = 11 = 1+1 = 2
Number 2 reflects diplomacy, cooperation, and sensitivity. At their core, they desire harmony and connection. Their inner motivation comes from building relationships and finding balance. In careers, they excel in collaborative environments with structure and harmony. In relationships, they're supportive partners who value and provide emotional intimacy.

Personality Number:

7
Consonants: N = 5, T = 2: 5+2 = 7
Number 7 projects intuituve, thoughtful, and spiritual qualities to the world. Others see them as deep thinkers and perhaps introverted. This number suggests they present themselves as someone who values depth over superficiality. In professional settings, they appear methodical and thorough. In personal relationships, they may seem selective about their partners and social circles because they are highly independent.

Note: This numerology analysis is just for fun and entertainment purposes. It is not meant to be taken seriously or as a reflection of one’s true personality or destiny. No offense is intended.

8. Names similar to Anita

Like Anita ? What about:

Matteo

Danielle

Abigail

Gideon

Dominic

Desiree

Delia

Elena

Aharon

Gabriel

Damien

Isaia

Adeline

Suzana

Elias

Bellamy

Bonita

Delaney

Jacobe

Carina

Common sibling names

Sisters

Adeline

Dania

Naomi

Joanna

Bellamy

Deborah

Danielle

Adelyn

Abigail

Johanna

Adalyn

Gabrielle

Elliott

Marilyn

Elena

Gianna

Delaney

Genesis

Eliza

Addison

Brothers

Joshua

Gideon

Isaiah

Gabriel

Israel

Abraham

Benjamin

Addison

Adrian

Elias

Jonathan

Damien

Josiah

Matias

Bellamy

Jeremy

Tobias

Dominic

Matteo

Elijah

Generate a perfect name for your baby

Our Baby Name Generator helps you find the perfect name, sorted by gender, letter, meaning, and more. You don't need to fill out every field, just the ones you're interested in.

I'm looking for

Any Gender

names with the

Last Name

, starting with

Any Letter

and ending with

Any Letter

with

Any Number of

syllables.

I like names that mean

Floral, Unique, Trendy

and are

Any theme

names.

Show me names of

Any Origin

Origin.

Search by name

Looking for baby name ideas, advice, meanings, and popularity.

Here are 0 baby name ideas that should work for you and your baby:

Jaime Babiera

Jaime Babiera is a team leader at Infinity Web Solutions. As a former research intern at Rappler and contributor of op-ed pieces to the Daily Guardian, he developed expertise in rigorous information verification and published substantive editorial outputs driven by professional integrity and factual accuracy. His body of work reflects a strong commitment to truth, transparency, and excellence, ensuring every piece he releases or project he leads is reliable and compelling.

Anita

1. Anita name meaning and origin

References:

2. Anita name popularity

3. Anita in Popular Culture: Characters in Fiction

4. Celebrities with the Name Anita

5. Variations and nicknames of Anita

6. Best name combinations with Anita

names that pair well with Anita:

7. Numerology of Anita name

Destiny Number (Expression Number):

Soul Urge Number (Heart's Desire):

Personality Number:

8. Names similar to Anita

Like Anita ? What about:

Common sibling names

Generate a perfect name for your baby

Search by name

Here are 0 baby name ideas that should work for you and your baby:

Baby name lists including Anita

NASZE OSTATNIE WYDARZENIA

Anita

1. Anita name meaning and origin

References:

2. Anita name popularity

3. Anita in Popular Culture: Characters in Fiction

4. Celebrities with the Name Anita

5. Variations and nicknames of Anita

6. Best name combinations with Anita

names that pair well with Anita:

7. Numerology of Anita name

Destiny Number (Expression Number):

Soul Urge Number (Heart's Desire):

Personality Number:

8. Names similar to Anita

Like Anita ? What about:

Common sibling names

Generate a perfect name for your baby

Search by name

Here are 0 baby name ideas that should work for you and your baby:

Baby name lists including Anita

Welcome 👋 😄