Annie is a diminutive form of Anna, which has Greek origins meaning 'grace' or 'lovely'. It was originally a masculine given name but became popular as a feminine given name in the Middle Ages.
Annie has cultural significance in Western Christianity, being associated with Saint Anne, the mother of Mary and grandmother of Jesus. In literature, Annie is a common protagonist in children's stories, such as 'Little Orphan Annie'.
People named Annie are often described as warm-hearted, gentle, and adaptable, with a strong sense of empathy and kindness.
The name Annie remains popular globally, particularly in the United States where it has been a Top 100 girls' name for over a century. It is often used informally or as a nickname.