Back to Baby Names

Anneliese

Girl Name #1,412 Most Popular Hidden Gem 4 Syllables

A graceful German classic with timeless European charm

German Dutch Scandinavian Swiss
Classic Elegant Vintage Royal Sophisticated

Meaning & Origin

"grace, favor"
Origin: Hebrew via Anna
Language: German
"consecrated to God"
Origin: Hebrew via Elizabeth
Language: German
"gracious, pledged to God"
Origin: Germanic compound
Language: English

The Story of Anneliese

Anneliese is a German compound name combining 'Anna' (from Hebrew Hannah, meaning grace or favor) and 'Liese' (a German diminutive of Elizabeth, meaning 'consecrated to God'). This blending of two beloved names was a common Germanic naming tradition, creating a name with double the meaning and double the heritage. The name has been used in German-speaking lands for centuries and carries an unmistakably Central European character.

Anneliese gained wider English-language awareness through the 2005 horror film 'The Exorcism of Emily Rose,' which was loosely based on the story of Anneliese Michel. Despite these dark associations in English pop culture, the name remains beloved in German-speaking countries. It has seen a quiet renaissance among parents seeking sophisticated, uncommon European names.

In German-speaking countries, Anneliese is a beloved classic that evokes old-world charm and feminine grace. The compound naming tradition it represents — joining Anna and Liesel — was particularly common in 19th and early 20th century Germany and Austria.

Fun Facts

  • Anneliese combines two of the most popular names in Christian tradition — Anna and Elizabeth
  • The spelling 'Annelise' is more common in Scandinavia, while 'Anneliese' dominates German-speaking regions
  • The name was popularized in part by Baroness Anneliese von Trapp, a real member of the famous von Trapp family

Anneliese in Other Languages

French Annelise
Italian Annalisa
Russian Аннелизе
Spanish Anelisa
Japanese アンネリーゼ

Famous People Named Anneliese

A

Anneliese van der Pol

Actor

1984

American actress and singer known for That's So Raven and its sequel Raven's Home

A

Anneliese Michel

Other

1952

German Catholic woman whose exorcism became the basis for several horror films, including The Exorcism of Emily Rose

P

Princess Anneliese Fictional

Royalty

Protagonist of Barbie and the Princess and the Pauper (2004), a beloved animated film character

Quick Facts

Gender
Girl
Syllables
4
Popularity Rank
#1,412
Total SSA Count
158
Cultural Origins
German Dutch Scandinavian Swiss
Pronunciation
Moderate
Formality
Formal
Cross-Cultural Ease
Moderate

Alternative Spellings

Common Nicknames

Annie Anna Liesel Elise Lise

Pairs Well With

Anneliese Rose Anneliese Marie Anneliese Claire Anneliese Grace Anneliese Jane Anneliese Kate Anneliese Hope

Sibling Names

Similar Names

Playground Safety

Kid-Friendly

Can't decide?

Start a tournament bracket with Anneliese and other names you're considering.

Start a Tournament

Like this name?

Check how Anneliese sounds with your surname and test for potential nicknames.

Analyze This Name
Browse more girl names →

Explore More Generators

Frequently Asked Questions About Anneliese

What does the name Anneliese mean?
"grace, favor" (from Hebrew via Anna). "consecrated to God" (from Hebrew via Elizabeth). "gracious, pledged to God" (from Germanic compound). Anneliese is a German compound name combining 'Anna' (from Hebrew Hannah, meaning grace or favor) and 'Liese' (a German diminutive of Elizabeth, meaning 'consecrated to God'). This blending of two beloved names was a common Germanic naming tradition, creating a name with double the meaning and double the heritage. The name has been used in German-speaking lands for centuries and carries an unmistakably Central European character.
What is the origin of the name Anneliese?
Anneliese has Hebrew via Anna, Hebrew via Elizabeth, Germanic compound, German, Dutch, Scandinavian, and Swiss origins. In Hebrew via Anna, it means "grace, favor". In Hebrew via Elizabeth, it means "consecrated to God". In Germanic compound, it means "gracious, pledged to God".
Is Anneliese a boy or girl name?
Anneliese is primarily used as a girl name.
How popular is the name Anneliese?
Anneliese is currently ranked #1412 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Anneliese?
Common nicknames for Anneliese include Annie, Anna, Liesel, Elise, and Lise.
What are good middle names for Anneliese?
Popular middle name pairings include Anneliese Rose, Anneliese Marie, Anneliese Claire, Anneliese Grace, Anneliese Jane, Anneliese Kate, and Anneliese Hope.
What are good sibling names for Anneliese?
Names that pair well with Anneliese as siblings include Gretchen, Lieselotte, Friedrich, Maximilian, Ingrid, Helena, and Wilhelm.
How many syllables does Anneliese have?
Anneliese has 4 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Anneliese a common or rare name?
Anneliese is an uncommon name, ranked #1412 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.

About the Name Anneliese

Anneliese is a girl name with German, Dutch, Scandinavian, and Swiss origins . The name means "grace, favor" in Hebrew via Anna .

Anneliese is currently ranked #1,412 in popularity for girl names in the United States.

The name Anneliese has 4 syllables, making it distinctive and memorable.

Common nicknames for Anneliese include Annie, Anna, Liesel, Elise, and Lise. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.

Alternative spellings of Anneliese include Anne, Annette, Annelise, Annemarie . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.

Explore Name Lists