Anah
Anah Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity
Meaning of Anah: Anah appears in the Hebrew Bible as both a masculine and feminine name. The etymology connects to the Hebrew root anah (ענה), meaning to answer, to respond, or to testify.
Two distinct biblical figures bear the name: Anah son of Seir the Horite appears in Genesis 36:20-29 as a chieftain among the Horites of Edom; separately, Anah daughter of Zibeon appears in Genesis 36:25 as the mother of Oholibamah, one of Esau's wives.
The dual appearance — one masculine, one feminine — made Anah technically available across genders in biblical naming tradition.
What Does Anah Mean? Origin & Etymology
The Anah narrative in Genesis includes one of the Bible's most intriguing parenthetical notes: Genesis 36:24 mentions that Anah "found the hot springs in the wilderness" while tending his father's donkeys — the Hebrew word yemim here has been the subject of scholarly debate for centuries, variously translated as hot springs, mules, or water.
The Septuagint translators rendered it as Yamin (a different reading), while the Vulgate chose aquas calidas (hot springs). The ambiguous verse became a minor puzzle in biblical commentary.
As a given name in contemporary use, Anah appears primarily in communities that favor rare biblical names — particularly among families seeking Old Testament names with clear scriptural documentation but minimal modern competition.
Its short form, gentle phonology, and gender-flexible biblical record make it appealing for parents seeking unusual names with authentic heritage.
As of 2024, Anah does not appear in SSA national rankings but appears in small numbers in communities with strong biblical naming traditions.
Numerology & Symbolism of Anah
Based on Pythagorean numerology — a traditional system linking name letters to numbers. Presented for cultural interest.
Anah – Similar Names & Alternatives
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Frequently Asked Questions about Anah
What does Anah mean?
Anah is Biblical; Means "answer" in Hebrew..
What does the name Anah mean?
Anah means “answer” in Hebrew. Means "answer" in Hebrew. This meaning has made Anah a consistent choice for parents seeking a name with a clear, positive identity.
How popular is Anah?
Anah is rarely used in the United States but maintains its standing in Biblical. SSA records show no significant US ranking for this name.
What is the origin of the name Anah?
Anah has Hebrew origins. Means "answer" in Hebrew.. In the Old Testament this name belongs to one female character and two male characters.. This background places Anah in a long tradition of Hebrew names used across generations.
Is Anah a boy or girl name?
Anah is used as both a masculine and feminine given name in its home tradition. The name is most common in Biblical communities.
How popular is the name Anah?
Anah is considered a rare name in the United States but maintains steady use in communities with Hebrew heritage. Its rarity can be an advantage for parents seeking a distinctive name.
What did the female Anah discover according to the Bible?
According to Genesis 36:24, Anah daughter of Zibeon found hot springs (or, in some translations, water) in the wilderness while herding donkeys. This makes her one of the few women in the Hebrew Bible credited by name with a geographical discovery.
What are variants of Anah?
Anah has related forms in other languages: 'Ana (Biblical Hebrew). These variants all share the same root and meaning.
Is Anah a good name for a baby?
Anah is a strong choice for parents drawn to Hebrew heritage names. It clear meaning of “answer,” combined with its distinctive sound, gives Anah an appealing combination of identity and character that holds up well across a lifetime.