'Anne' originates from Hebrew, specifically the name 'Channah' (חנּה), where the root meant 'grace' or 'favor'.

'Anne' changed via Greek 'Anna' and Latin 'Anna' and Old French 'Anne' and eventually became the modern English given name 'Anne'.

Initially it meant 'grace' (as a theophoric/virtue name), but over time it evolved into its primary use as a personal name 'Anne' rather than a general meaning of 'grace'.