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The database does indeed say that it's a nickname for Anna, but trust me when I say it's also an Aramaic nickname meaning 'answer my prayer'. :) Just like Luana's also a Teutonic name meaning 'gracious warrior' as well as a Hawai'ian name. The database is an excellent collection of names and meanings, but it's by no means complete.

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In Russian culture, nicknames and pet names are tricky. If a child was given the name Anastasia at birth, she will be called various pet forms throughout her life. A stranger or a mere acquaintance would only call her Anastasia. A family member or a very close friend would use various pet forms (and most names have an abundance of pet forms to use) which they would use all the time. You know how we have terms of endearment like honey, sugar, sweetie, all of which we might use on one person? Well, think of Russian pet names as something along those lines.

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It is said that the more pet names you have, the fonder you are to those using the pet names. Also, different pet names denote how close you are to the person using them. Assuming my real name was Maria, my best friend may call me 'Masha' whilst my husband might call me 'Manya', but my mother might call me 'Mashka'. Pet names ending in '-ka' are usually reserved only for those closest to the person and considered vulgar when used by one that doesn't know the person very well.

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We know what we are, but know not what we may be.

This message was edited 2/19/2006, 5:44 PM