The name Anne has its origins in the ancient Hebrew name Hannah, which means "grace" or "favor." It is derived from the Hebrew word "hanan," meaning "to be gracious." The name gained popularity in early Christianity and was later adopted by various European cultures.

The earliest recorded use of the name Anne dates back to the 1st century AD, when it was mentioned in the New Testament as the name of a prophetess in the Gospel of Luke. This biblical reference helped popularize the name among early Christians.

In the 4th century, St. Anne, the mother of the Virgin Mary, became a prominent figure in early Christian tradition. Her cult following contributed to the widespread use of the name Anne throughout Europe during the Middle Ages.

Anne was a popular name among European royalty and nobility. Notable examples include Anne of Brittany (1477-1514), the twice-crowned Queen of France, and Anne Boleyn (c. 1501-1536), the second wife of King Henry VIII of England, whose marriage played a significant role in the English Reformation.

In the literary world, Anne Bradstreet (c. 1612-1672) was an influential American poet and the first female writer to be published in the British North American colonies. Anne Radcliffe (1764-1823) was an English author and a pioneer of the Gothic novel genre.

The name Anne has also been associated with notable scientists and activists. Anne Marie Lavoisier (1758-1836) was a French chemist and the wife of Antoine Lavoisier, known for her contributions to the advancement of chemistry. Anne Frank (1929-1945) was a German-Dutch diarist whose diary became a powerful testament to the atrocities of the Holocaust.

Throughout history, the name Anne has been a popular choice across various cultures and regions, reflecting its enduring appeal and significance.