"friendly, amiable, good companion"
Origin: Arabic
Language: Arabic
Anisa
Pronunciation: [ an-EES-uh ]
Does Anisa flow with your last name?
An Arabic gem meaning friendly — warm, elegant, and universal
Arabic
Muslim
Persian
Swahili
Elegant
Gentle
Spiritual
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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The Story of Anisa
Anisa is an Arabic name derived from the root a-n-s, meaning to be friendly, sociable, or amiable. It is the feminine form of Anis (Anees), meaning close friend or companion. The name is used across the Arabic-speaking world, Iran, Pakistan, and East Africa (particularly in Swahili-speaking communities). Its warmth and approachability make it a beloved choice.
Anisa is consistently popular across Muslim-majority countries and diaspora communities worldwide. In East Africa, particularly Tanzania and Kenya, it has been widely used in Swahili-speaking Muslim communities. In the United States and UK, it has grown as Muslim names have become more common.
In Islamic culture, names expressing positive interpersonal qualities — friendship, generosity, kindness — are highly valued. The root a-n-s also gives rise to the word uns (intimacy, affection), making Anisa a name that speaks to the quality of warm human connection.
Historical Record
Anisa first appeared in US Social Security records in 1958.
Over 5,496 babies have been named Anisa in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Anisa is past its peak , currently ranked #2,151 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- The Arabic root a-n-s also gives rise to the word uns (intimacy, closeness), related to the English anise spice via Greek anison
- Anisa is popular across three continents: Africa, Asia, and increasingly in Western countries
- The male form Anis is used as a name across the Arab world and in South Asia
Anisa in Other Languages
Urdu
Anisa
Arabic
Anisa
Persian
Anisa
Swahili
Anisa
Turkish
Anise
Popularity Over Time
#2,151
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Peaked 1967
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Anisa
A
Anisa Jomha
Entertainer
1993
Canadian content creator and streamer known for her online presence
A
Anisa Hasani
Other
Albanian politician and public figure bearing this name
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Compare Anisa with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #2,151
- Total SSA Count
- 88
- Cultural Origins
- Arabic Muslim Persian Swahili
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Ani
Nisa
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, elegant style, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, Arabic heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, elegant style, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, gentle style, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Anisa
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Slavic origin
"bright, radiant (from Slavic root)"
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Celtic/Welsh (via Niamh) origin
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Frequently Asked Questions About Anisa
What does the name Anisa mean?
"friendly, amiable, good companion" (from Arabic). Anisa is an Arabic name derived from the root a-n-s, meaning to be friendly, sociable, or amiable. It is the feminine form of Anis (Anees), meaning close friend or companion. The name is used across the Arabic-speaking world, Iran, Pakistan, and East Africa (particularly in Swahili-speaking communities). Its warmth and approachability make it a beloved choice.
What is the origin of the name Anisa?
Anisa has Arabic, Muslim, Persian, and Swahili origins. In Arabic, it means "friendly, amiable, good companion".
Is Anisa a boy or girl name?
Anisa is primarily used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Anisa?
Anisa is pronounced an-EES-uh.
How popular is the name Anisa?
Anisa is currently ranked #2151 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Anisa?
Common nicknames for Anisa include Ani and Nisa.
What are good middle names for Anisa?
Popular middle name pairings include Anisa Fatima, Anisa Leila, Anisa Yasmin, Anisa Nour, Anisa Sara, Anisa Amira, and Anisa Dina.
What are good sibling names for Anisa?
Names that pair well with Anisa as siblings include Amira, Fatima, Yasmin, Omar, Khalid, Zainab, and Nadia.
How many syllables does Anisa have?
Anisa has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Anisa a common or rare name?
Anisa is an uncommon name, ranked #2151 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What girl names are similar to Anisa?
About the Name Anisa
Anisa is a girl name with Arabic, Muslim, Persian, and Swahili origins . The name means "friendly, amiable, good companion" in Arabic .
Anisa is currently ranked #2,151 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Anisa has 3 syllables and is pronounced an-EES-uh, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Anisa include Ani and Nisa. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Anisa include Aniston, Anissa, Anisha . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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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