Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Annika

Annika is a Swedish, Dutch, Finnish and German diminutive of Anne. Anne is the English form of the Latin Anna which comes from the Hebrew name Hannah from the word “channah” meaning ‘grace, favor’. The root source of this name is Hannah who was borne from the Bible as the mother of Samuel (a prophet of central importance in the Old Testament). Hannah suffered through torturous years of barrenness and prayed mightily to God promising that if she has a child, she would dedicate him to the Lord. Soon afterwards, she conceived and gave birth to a son, Samuel (by the ‘grace’ of God or as a ‘favor’ from Him). Hannah eventually became Latinized to Anna which was anglicized to Anne. Annika developed as a pet form of Anne in many Scandinavian countries and among German speakers. Today, Annika is most popular in Austria and is still ranked on the charts in the Netherlands. Adding further interest to this name, Annika is also believed to be derived from an African name (from the Hausa language) Annakiya meaning ‘sweet of face’.

All About the Baby Name – Annika

Personality

OF THE GIRL NAME ANNIKA

The number Five personality loves the excitement of life and can easily adapt to all situations. As natural adventurers, these personalities thrive on the new and unexpected and prefer to be in constant motion. It makes them feel alive. They'll stir up some action if there's not enough around, and as inherent risk-takers they enjoy pushing the envelope. Naturally rebellious, the Five personality has no fear and never resists change.  Traveling and new experiences feed their souls. Fives are very social and attract friends with ease. People love to be around the Five fun-loving and exciting energy.  This is also a lucky number in numerology (like the Threes), so fortune seems to shine on them, helped along by their own optimism and good-nature. Fives have a quick wit, a cerebral mind, and are generally very persuasive. 

Popularity

OF THE GIRL NAME ANNIKA

Annika made her debut on the U.S. female naming charts in 1995 and we can probably thank the Swedish golfer Annika Sörenstam for introducing Americans to this unique pet form of the classical name Anne. In 1994, the LPGA named Annika Rookie Player of the Year and that was just the beginning for this remarkable athlete’s rise to the top of women’s golf. Not only did she win the U.S. Women’s Open in 1995 and 1996, but Annika tops the career money list in her sport with over 90 professional wins including 10 Majors. In 2003 she made headlines when she was invited to play at a PGA men’s tour event (the first woman to do so since Babe Zaharias qualified for a PGA event in 1945). Annika became a role model for girls and women across America and her charming Scandinavian name resonated with her fans. The height of Annika’s name-fame came in 2003 when it ranked in at a moderate #284 on the charts. Never a hugely popular choice among American parents Annika is still hanging in there. Like many other Scandinavian names of Germanic origin (Erika, Dagny, Gitte, Helga, Ingrid, Karla, Kerstin), Annika has a strong – almost harsh – sounding quality. She’s tough as nails yet friendly and bright at the same time. This is definitely a name to consider if you find the simple English name Anne too ho-hum.

Quick Facts

ON ANNIKA

GENDER:

Girl

ORIGIN:

German

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

3

RANKING POPULARITY:

524

PRONUNCIATION:

AHN-nee-kah

SIMPLE MEANING:

Grace, favor; Sweet of face

Characteristics

OF ANNIKA

Freedom-loving

Adventurous

Adaptable

Intellectual

Easygoing

Progressive

Sensual

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Annika

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME ANNIKA

Annika Settergren, along with her brother Tommy, are best friends of Pippi Longstocking from the series of books by Swedish author Astrid Lindgren first published in 1945. Well-dressed and well-mannered, the epitome of a good little girl, Annika serves as an innocuous juxtaposition to her free-spirited and strong-willed friend Pippi Longstocking. The three friends (Pippi, Tommy and Annika) have many great adventures together in this classic children’s book as Pippi rescues the Settergren children from their humdrum life. As the series progresses, the innocent and naïve Annika is drawn out of her shell under the lead of her colorful, independent and audacious neighbor.

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME ANNIKA

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Annika


Popular Songs

ON ANNIKA

We cannot find any popular or well-known songs with the name of Annika


Famous People

NAMED ANNIKA

Annika Sörenstam (golfer)

Children of Famous People

NAMED ANNIKA

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

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME ANNIKA

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