'Anastas' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'anastasis', where the prefix 'ana-' meant 'up' or 'again' and the root 'stasis' meant 'a standing' or 'standing up' (hence 'resurrection').

'Anastas' changed from medieval/late Greek forms such as 'Anastasios' and Latin 'Anastasius' and eventually appeared in various modern forms (for example 'Anastas', 'Anastasios', 'Anastasia') as a given name.

Initially, it meant 'resurrection' (from the noun 'anastasis'), but over time it became used primarily as a personal name associated with that meaning.