Anka

Anka is a feminine first name that is used as a pet form of Anna in Low German, Slavic, and Hungarian language areas. This name has its roots in the Hebrew name Hannah.

What does the name Anka mean?

Anka is regarded as a pet form of Anna and derives from the Hebrew Hannah. The meaning of the name includes terms like 'the favored one,' 'the graceful one,' and in a religious context, 'God was gracious.' In Russian, Anka is understood more as a colloquial variant of Anna. Its origins lie in Ancient Hebrew, derived from the term channâh (חַנָּה), which stands for 'grace,' 'gracefulness,' and 'he showed favor.' These terms can be traced back to the root ḥanān (חָנַן), which means 'to be gracious' or 'to show mercy.' In Sweden, the name is also associated with 'the duck,' while in Turkish, it is interpreted as 'a bird from a fairy tale.' Variants of Anka include Aneka, Anica, Anicha, Anicke, Aniek, Anik, Anika, Anikah, Anike, Anikka, Anke, Ankea, Anneca, Annecka, Anneka, Anneke, Annica, Annicha, Annicke, Anniek, and Annikke. Further variations include Annika, Annik, Annick, Annicka, Annic, Anic, Anick, Anicka, Annikki, Anniki, Anniken, Annike, Annikka, Anniko, Anique, and Annique.

Where does the name Anka come from?

Anka is a feminine first name with Ancient Hebrew roots that carries the meaning 'the favored one' or 'the graceful one.' The word formation comes from the Ancient Hebrew channâh, which means 'grace,' 'graciousness,' 'gracefulness,' 'favor,' 'he was gracious,' or 'he showed favor.' These terms are derived from the Ancient Hebrew root ḥanān, which encompasses 'to be kind,' 'to be gracious,' 'to show mercy,' or 'to grant grace.' Anka is widespread in various languages such as Bulgarian, German, Croatian, Low German, Polish, Serbian, and Slavic.

How do you pronounce Anka?

Anka is a two-syllable and concise name. In German pronunciation, it is usually rendered as 'An-ka' [ˈaŋka], with the emphasis on the first syllable. The distinctive K in the second syllable adds a strong accent. The open '-a' softens the consonant strength and provides a harmonious ending. As a result, Anka appears clear and direct – short, memorable, and with a strong presence.

When is the name day of Anka?

The name day for Anka is celebrated on July 26.

Popularity

In Germany, Anka is among the less common first names. Currently, it ranks 5,884th in the list of the most popular female baby names. Its best placement was in 2007, when it reached 732nd place. Over the last ten years, Anka has been used as a first name about 100 times, placing it 2,494th in the ten-year statistics. From 2010 to 2024, Anka ranks 2,755th.

Nicknames & pet names

Anga / Anki / Anni / Änk

Similar first names

Famous people

• Anka Grupinska (Polish writer)
• Anka Khristolova (Bulgarian volleyball player)
• Anka Kröhnke (German artist)
• Anka Muhlstein (French historian)
• Anka Radakovich (American writer)
• Anka Wolbert (Dutch musician)
• Anka Zink (German cabaret artist)
• Elizabeth Anka Vajagic (Canadian singer)
• Paul Anka (American singer and songwriter)