Yes, maybe they're two different names. French wikipedia lists it as a form of
Anne:
https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ana%C3%AFs I do believe it is possible, that there are two etymologies.
This is what French wikipedia says about the usage: On relève sa présence en
France depuis 1610, mais c'est au début du XIXème qu'on commence réellement à le rencontrer. Il connaît un regain de popularité depuis les années 1980 (notamment après la sortie du parfum
Anaïs Anaïs de Cacharel). Le pic de popularité date de 1993.
So the name has been recorded in
France since 1610, but the more widespread use started at the beginning of the 19th century. The 1610 usage predates the opera and then we have
Anais de Brienne as well.
It is so interesting to think about its origins. It's such an intrigueing name to me and I love
Anahita as well.
This message was edited 4/5/2024, 8:43 AM