Find out how popular the first name Anissa has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Anissa by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Anissa is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 70 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Anissa.

The history of the first name Anissa

The name Anissa has its roots in the Arabic language, originating from the word "Anisah," which means "friendly" or "sociable." It is believed to have been derived from the Arabic word "uns," meaning "companionship" or "intimacy." The name has been in use for centuries, with its earliest recorded instances dating back to the medieval period in the Arab world.

One of the earliest known references to the name Anissa can be found in classical Arabic literature, particularly in the works of renowned poets and writers from the 8th to the 13th centuries. These literary works often featured characters or individuals bearing the name Anissa, reflecting the cultural significance and popularity of the name during that era.

Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Anissa. One of the earliest recorded instances is Anissa al-Qurtubiyya (977-1025), a renowned Andalusian poet and scholar from Cordoba, Spain. She was celebrated for her contributions to Arabic literature and her expertise in various fields, including poetry, linguistics, and calligraphy.

Another prominent figure with the name Anissa was Anissa Helou (born 1952), a Lebanese-British chef, food writer, and cookbook author. She has published several acclaimed books on Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines, showcasing her passion for culinary traditions and cultural heritage.

In the realm of art and fashion, Anissa Meddeb (1958-2022) was a Tunisian-French artist and fashion designer known for her innovative and avant-garde creations. Her works often explored themes of identity, culture, and femininity, and she was celebrated for her unique approach to fashion and artistic expression.

The name Anissa has also been associated with notable figures in academia and literature. Anissa Talahite-Moodley (born 1963) is a South African academic and author, renowned for her contributions to the fields of African literature and postcolonial studies. Her works have shed light on the experiences of marginalized communities and the intersections of race, gender, and culture.

Another influential figure bearing the name Anissa is Anissa Bouaidar (born 1982), a Moroccan-French writer and activist. Her literary works and advocacy efforts have focused on promoting women's rights, challenging gender stereotypes, and raising awareness about issues faced by marginalized communities in North Africa and Europe.

While these are just a few examples, the name Anissa has been carried by individuals from diverse backgrounds and eras, each leaving their mark on various fields and contributing to the rich tapestry of human history and culture.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Anissa was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Anissa, please contact us.

Reference this page

We spend a lot of resources downloading, cleaning, merging, and formatting the data that is shown on the site.

If you found the data or information on this page useful in your research, please use the tool below to properly cite or reference Name Census as the source. We appreciate your support!