Find out how popular the first name Anon has been for the last 1 years (from 2011 to 2011) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Anon by gender

Based on the last 1 years of data, Anon is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2011, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Anon.

The history of the first name Anon

The given name "Anon" has a rich and intriguing history that spans multiple cultures and civilizations. Its origins can be traced back to the ancient Greek language, where the word "anōnymos" meant "without a name" or "nameless." This word was formed by combining the prefix "an-" (meaning "without" or "lacking") and the root word "onyma" (meaning "name").

In the context of ancient Greek literature, "Anon" was often used as a placeholder or pseudonym for an unknown or unidentified author. It was a common practice in those times for writers to publish their works anonymously, either to protect their identity or to maintain a sense of humility and detachment from their creations.

The earliest recorded instances of the name "Anon" can be found in various ancient Greek texts, including philosophical treatises, plays, and epic poems. One notable example is the epic poem "The Iliad," attributed to the legendary poet Homer, where the name "Anon" is used to refer to an unnamed soldier or character.

Throughout history, the name "Anon" has been used by several notable individuals who chose to remain anonymous for various reasons. One such person was the 12th-century English monk who authored the famous Ancrene Wisse, a guide for anchoresses (religious recluses) written in the West Midlands dialect of Middle English.

In the 16th century, the name "Anon" gained prominence with the publication of the anonymous English play "Everyman," a morality play that explored the concept of death and the journey of the soul. The author of this influential work remains unknown to this day, but the name "Anon" has become synonymous with the play itself.

Another famous individual who used the name "Anon" was the 17th-century English writer and satirist Joseph Addison. In his influential periodical "The Spectator," Addison frequently published essays and articles under the pseudonym "Anon," contributing to the popularity of this name as a literary device.

The 18th century saw the rise of the English poet and playwright Robert Dodsley, who published a collection of poems titled "The Muse in Livery" under the name "Anon" in 1732. This work helped establish "Anon" as a recognized literary persona and further solidified its place in the realm of anonymous authorship.

In the 19th century, the name "Anon" was also used by the English writer and social critic Thomas Love Peacock, who published several satirical works under this pseudonym. His novel "Headlong Hall," published in 1815, is considered one of the earliest examples of English satire and was initially attributed to "Anon."

These are just a few examples of the many individuals throughout history who have embraced the name "Anon" as a means of preserving their anonymity or creating a distinct literary persona. While the name itself may not have been given to individuals at birth, its rich cultural and literary significance has cemented its place in the annals of history.

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 Anon was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Anon, 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!