'Ann' originates from Hebrew, specifically the name 'Channah', where 'ḥanan' meant 'grace' or 'favor'.

'Ann' changed from the Old French name 'Anne' (via Latin and Greek 'Anna') and eventually became the modern English name 'Ann' through Middle English usage.

Initially, it meant 'grace' or 'favor' as the sense of the original Hebrew name, but over time it evolved into its current use as the personal name 'Ann'.