The given name Ania is derived from the Hebrew name Hannah, meaning "grace" or "favor." It has its roots in ancient Hebrew culture and appears in religious texts such as the Bible, where it is the name of the mother of the prophet Samuel.

Ania is a diminutive or pet form of the name Anna, which is the Latin and Greek version of Hannah. The name Anna has been widely used across various cultures and regions, including Europe, Russia, and the Middle East.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Ania can be found in medieval Polish records, where it was a common diminutive form of Anna. It gained popularity in Poland and other Slavic countries, particularly in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Ania. One such figure is Ania Dluska (1900-1963), a Polish actress and singer who rose to fame in the interwar period. Another is Ania Walwicz (born 1951), an Australian poet and artist known for her experimental works.

The name Ania has also been associated with literary characters, such as Ania Shirley, the protagonist of the beloved children's novel "Anne of Green Gables" by Lucy Maud Montgomery (1874-1942). This character's name is often spelled as "Anne" in English, but it is pronounced similarly to Ania.

In the world of sports, Ania Bleszynski (born 1976) is a notable Polish handball player who competed in several Olympic Games and won multiple medals for her country.

Ania Bukstein (born 1983) is an Israeli actress and model who has appeared in various television series and films, including the popular show "Fauda."

While the name Ania may have evolved from its Hebrew roots, it has gained popularity and cultural significance across different regions, particularly in Eastern Europe and Slavic countries, where it has become a beloved and widely used diminutive form of Anna.