"pure, holy, chaste"
Origin: Greek hagnos via Latin Agnes
Language: French/Catalan
Anays
Anays is a girl name of Greek hagnos via Latin Agnes origin meaning "pure, holy, chaste." Ranked #62,415 in the US, popular nicknames include Ana, Nays, and Naysi.
Provencal poetry in a single name
French
Spanish
Catalan
Latin American
Romantic
French
Elegant
Literary
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
Share
Meaning & Origin
Browse names with similar meanings:
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
How Does It Sound with Your Surname?
Similar to Anays
See all →What the Anays report tells you
$9Personalized to your state, siblings, and priorities. Free playground safety preview included.
Is Anays the #1 name in your state, or barely on the radar?
Enter your other kids' names. We score how well they sound together.
Downloadable PDF + nursery art
Everything in one printable report. Frame the name art.
Start with a free preview
Playground safety check is free. Full report is $9.
What do you want to do with this name?
What kind of baby name person are you?
3 minutes to find names that fit your style.
Take the Quiz
The Story of Anays
Anays is a beautiful variant of Anais, the Occitan and Catalan form of Agnes, which derives from the Greek hagnos meaning pure, chaste, or holy. Agnes was a widely venerated early Christian martyr, and her name spread throughout Europe taking different forms in each language. In southern France and Catalonia, it became Anais, a form with the musical quality of Provencal poetry. The variant spelling Anays gives the name a slightly more Spanish character while preserving its lyrical Gallic soul. The writer Anais Nin brought this form to international recognition in the 20th century.
Anais and its variants have been consistently popular in French-speaking and Catalan-speaking regions, and gained broader international recognition through the literary fame of Anais Nin.
The name connects to the Occitan troubadour tradition of southern France and Catalonia, regions that gave the Western world its first tradition of romantic poetry.
Historical Record
Anays first appeared in US Social Security records in 1986.
Over 91 babies have been named Anays in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Anays is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #62,415 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Anais Nin was one of the first women writers to explore female sexuality and psychology in her famous diaries and fiction
- Saint Agnes is the patron saint of chastity, gardeners, and young girls, and her feast day is January 21st
Anays in Other Languages
Greek
Hagne
French
Anais
Catalan
Anais
Spanish
Agnes
Popularity Over Time
#62,415
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Anays
A
Anais Gallagher
Other
1999
British model and daughter of Oasis guitarist Noel Gallagher, bearing this graceful French name
A
Anais Mitchell
Musician
1981
American folk singer-songwriter known for the Broadway musical Hadestown, which won the Tony for Best Musical
A
Anais Nin
Writer
1903
French-Cuban American author celebrated for her intimate diaries and pioneering exploration of female inner life in fict...
French-Cuban American author celebrated for her intimate diaries and pioneering exploration of female inner life in fiction
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #62,415
- Total SSA Count
- 5
- Cultural Origins
- French Spanish Catalan Latin American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Ana
Nays
Naysi
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
-
Timeless choice, French heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, Spanish heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, elegant style, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, Spanish heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Anays
5 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
Premium
Check how Anays fits with existing sibling names — style, sound, and origin.
Enter sibling names above to see compatibility.
Similar Names
See all names like Anays →Compare Anays with...
Same Origin Names (French)
Names with Similar Meaning
Names that share meaning themes with Anays
Can't decide?
Start a tournament bracket with Anays and other names you're considering.
Start a TournamentLike this name?
Check how Anays sounds with your surname and test for potential nicknames.
Analyze This NameExplore More Generators
-
🧝
Fantasy Name Generator
Create names for D&D and RPG characters
-
🐾
Pet Name Generator
Find the perfect name for your furry friend
-
🎭
Character Name Generator
Names for fictional characters across genres
Names You Might Also Like
View all →
Save Your Name Card
Download a shareable image with Anays's meaning, origin, and popularity. Ready for Instagram, Pinterest, or texting to your partner.
Frequently Asked Questions About Anays
What does the name Anays mean?
"pure, holy, chaste" (from Greek hagnos via Latin Agnes). Anays is a beautiful variant of Anais, the Occitan and Catalan form of Agnes, which derives from the Greek hagnos meaning pure, chaste, or holy. Agnes was a widely venerated early Christian martyr, and her name spread throughout Europe taking different forms in each language. In southern France and Catalonia, it became Anais, a form with the musical quality of Provencal poetry. The variant spelling Anays gives the name a slightly more Spanish character while preserving its lyrical Gallic soul. The writer Anais Nin brought this form to international recognition in the 20th century.
What is the origin of the name Anays?
Anays has Greek hagnos via Latin Agnes, French, Spanish, Catalan, and Latin American origins. In Greek hagnos via Latin Agnes, it means "pure, holy, chaste".
Is Anays a boy or girl name?
Anays is primarily used as a girl name.
How popular is the name Anays?
Anays is currently ranked #62415 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Anays?
Common nicknames for Anays include Ana, Nays, and Naysi.
What are good middle names for Anays?
Popular middle name pairings include Anays Marie, Anays Isabel, Anays Celeste, Anays Valentina, and Anays Sofia.
What are good sibling names for Anays?
Names that pair well with Anays as siblings include Esme, Celine, Isadora, Cyprien, and Raphael.
How many syllables does Anays have?
Anays has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Anays a common or rare name?
Anays is an uncommon name, ranked #62415 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What girl names are similar to Anays?
Anays pairs well with Cresta in style and sound.
About the Name Anays
Anays is a girl name with French, Spanish, Catalan, and Latin American origins . The name means "pure, holy, chaste" in Greek hagnos via Latin Agnes .
Anays is currently ranked #62,415 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Anays has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Anays include Ana, Nays, and Naysi. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Anays include Anaya, Anayah, Anayeli, Anayra . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
Keep Exploring
Greek hagnos via Latin Agnes Names
Browse all names with this origin
A
Names Starting with A
More girl names like Anays
Unique Names
Uncommon names with character
Name Personality Quiz
Find names that match your style
Name Swiper
Swipe through names, build a shortlist fast
Browse All Girl Names
Full list with filters and sorting
Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis