US Popularity Rank: 20145

Origin: Greek

Meaning: Satisfaction; Unequal, uneven

Anysia is a beautifully feminine name that sounds very much like a character out of a fantasy book. The general consensus is that it’s derived from Greek, however, two different meanings have been attributed to it. One being “satisfaction” and the other being “unequal” or “uneven.” Thankfully, the confusion is overshadowed by its bearer—Saint Anysia of Salonika, a 4th-century Christian martyr. Although born to wealth, she dedicated herself to vows of chastity and poverty, praying, and helping the poor. The story goes that she even valiantly fought off a soldier who intended to drag her to a pagan temple as a sacrifice to the Roman gods. So if you’d like your little one to take after this pious and formidable lady, this moniker can get the ball rolling. And if baby is celebrating their birthday on December 30th, all the more reason to, since they will be sharing the saint’s feast day.