Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Anastasia

Anastasia is a Russian feminine form of the Greek name Anastasios originating from the Greek word “anastais” meaning ‘resurrection’. Greek Christian boys who were born around Easter were often given this name to pay homage to the resurrection of Christ. Similar to the name Tatiana, the female name Anastasia became popularized in the Eastern Orthodox Church by way of a popular 4th century saint, Anastasia of Sirmium (Dalmatia). She was martyred during the Great Persecution under the Emperor Diocletian, although little else is known about her. She is often regarded as St. Anastasia the Healer and also a deliverer of potions since she was said to protect the faithful from harmful poisons. The name Anastasia is also largely associated with the Grand Duchess Anastasia of Russia, youngest daughter of Tsar Nicolas II, and brutally murdered during the Bolshevik Revolution (1918). Popular and persistent rumors arose claiming that Anastasia had miraculously escaped the slaughter (one woman claimed to be her in 1920), but this was permanently discounted through DNA testing in 2009. The beautiful Ingrid Bergman portrayed the Russian princess in a 1956 film called “Anastasia”. Anastasia is mostly identified as Russian, but it was used on the British Isles in the Middle Ages. Nastasya is the Russian short form of Anastasia, but the English name Stacy also comes to us from Anastasia. Currently, Anastasia is a Top 10 name in the countries of Georgia, Ukraine, and Moldova.

All About the Baby Name – Anastasia

Personality

OF THE GIRL NAME ANASTASIA

The number Four personality is marked by stability and discipline. This is the personality that follows the rules and is conservative by nature.  They have an earth-bound energy that prefers to build things methodically on top of firm foundations; they don't cut corners. Fours take their time and don't like to be hurried. But the outcome of their endeavors is likely to result in some strong and useful structure, which makes them great engineers and inventors. Fours are anything but frivolous or controversial. This is a trustworthy, straight-forward personality that embodies dedication and organization. They are the backbone and anchor in their relationships, careers and communities. They are tidy, punctual, and full of integrity. Hard-work comes naturally to a Four and they are immensely reliable. This is the personality you can always count on.

Popularity

OF THE GIRL NAME ANASTASIA

Anastasia has never achieved super popularity in the United States, although the name has existed on the female naming charts since at least the 19th century. Back in 1900, Anastasia was used in low moderation. The name pretty much disappeared from the charts throughout the 1930s, 40s and 50s, but was ‘resurrected’ in 1957 (not coincidentally right after Ingrid Bergman’s film “Anastasia” was released to audience goers across the nation in December 1956). The name would grow in usage pretty steadily for the next 30 years and reached its peak popularity around the late 1980s. The name saw another boost in popularity in 1997 when the Disney animated film “Anastasia” was released (featuring the voices of Meg Ryan and John Cusack). More recently, the name Anastasia is retreating back into the shadows. Today the name is used only in relative moderation. This, however, does nothing to subtract from the sheer beauty of this five-syllable classic. Maybe a little regal and pretentious like Alexandria, these names are still old-school and transcend the common naming trends of the day. Anastasia is a mouthful. We’ll give you that – but there are several shorter forms if you so please: Ana, Natasia, Stacia, or Stacy for example. Anastasia is definitely a name for fanciful parents out there who like flowery long names, or parents of Russian/Slavic descent. One thing you’ll NEVER hear when it comes to Anastasia: “Oh, what an ugly name!”

Quick Facts

ON ANASTASIA

GENDER:

Girl

ORIGIN:

Greek

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

5

RANKING POPULARITY:

257

PRONUNCIATION:

ah-nah-stah-SEE-yah; a-nə-STAY-zhə

SIMPLE MEANING:

Resurrection

Characteristics

OF ANASTASIA

Dependable

Solid

Practical

Hard-working

Industrious

Studious

Conservative

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Anastasia

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME ANASTASIA

We cannot find any significant literary characters by the name of Anastasia

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME ANASTASIA

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Anastasia


Popular Songs

ON ANASTASIA

Yes, Anastasia
a song by Tori Amos

I Am Anastasia
a song by Sponge

Anastasia
a song by Voltaire

Famous People

NAMED ANASTASIA

Grand Duchess Anastasia Romanov (daughter of Tsar Nicholas II)
Anastasia of Russia (Ivan the Terrible)
Saint Anastasia (4th century Christian saint martyred in Dalmatia, Croatia)
Saint Anastasia the Patrician (6th century saint)
Anastasia (medieval French artist)
Anastasia Horne (actress/singer)

Children of Famous People

NAMED ANASTASIA

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Anastasia

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME ANASTASIA

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Anastasia