The given name Anna has a rich history that spans across various cultures and time periods. Its origins can be traced back to the Hebrew name Hannah, which means "grace" or "favor." In the Old Testament of the Bible, Hannah was the mother of the prophet Samuel, and her story is recounted in the Book of Samuel.

The name Anna also has roots in ancient Greek, where it is derived from the word "ἄννα" (anna), which means "grace" or "favor" as well. In the New Testament, Anna was a prophetess who recognized Jesus as the Messiah when he was presented at the Temple in Jerusalem.

Throughout history, the name Anna has been popular in various regions and cultures. In the Byzantine Empire, Anna Comnena (1083-1153) was a prominent historian and writer who authored the Alexiad, a valuable historical account of her father, Emperor Alexios I Komnenos, and his reign.

In the Middle Ages, the name Anna was common among European royalty and nobility. Anna of Kiev (c. 1024-1075) was a French queen consort as the wife of Henry I of France. She played a significant role in the political and religious affairs of her time.

The name Anna continued to be popular in the early modern period. Anna of Denmark (1574-1619) was the wife of King James VI of Scotland and I of England. She was known for her patronage of the arts and her influence on court culture.

In the 18th century, Anna Petrovna (1708-1728) was the daughter of Peter the Great of Russia and the mother of Peter III. She was the Duchess of Holstein-Gottorp and played a role in the political alliances of her time.

Moving into the 19th century, Anna Pavlova (1881-1931) was a renowned Russian prima ballerina who gained international fame for her grace and expressiveness on stage. She toured the world extensively and is credited with popularizing ballet in many countries.

In the 20th century, Anna Freud (1895-1982), the daughter of Sigmund Freud, was a prominent psychoanalyst who made significant contributions to the field of child psychology. She founded the Hampstead Child Therapy Course and Clinic in London and authored several influential works on child development.

The name Anna remains popular in modern times, with various spellings and variations used across different cultures. Its enduring appeal can be attributed to its timeless meaning, historical significance, and the many notable figures who have borne the name throughout history.