"grace, favor"
Anneliese
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A graceful German classic with timeless European charm
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
Meaning & Origin
"consecrated to God"
"gracious, pledged to God"
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The Story of Anneliese
Anneliese is a German compound name combining 'Anna' (from Hebrew Hannah, meaning grace or favor) and 'Liese' (a German diminutive of Elizabeth, meaning 'consecrated to God'). This blending of two beloved names was a common Germanic naming tradition, creating a name with double the meaning and double the heritage. The name has been used in German-speaking lands for centuries and carries an unmistakably Central European character.
Anneliese gained wider English-language awareness through the 2005 horror film 'The Exorcism of Emily Rose,' which was loosely based on the story of Anneliese Michel. Despite these dark associations in English pop culture, the name remains beloved in German-speaking countries. It has seen a quiet renaissance among parents seeking sophisticated, uncommon European names.
In German-speaking countries, Anneliese is a beloved classic that evokes old-world charm and feminine grace. The compound naming tradition it represents — joining Anna and Liesel — was particularly common in 19th and early 20th century Germany and Austria.
Historical Record
Anneliese first appeared in US Social Security records in 1952.
Over 5,671 babies have been named Anneliese in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Anneliese is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #1,412 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Anneliese combines two of the most popular names in Christian tradition — Anna and Elizabeth
- The spelling 'Annelise' is more common in Scandinavia, while 'Anneliese' dominates German-speaking regions
- The name was popularized in part by Baroness Anneliese von Trapp, a real member of the famous von Trapp family
Anneliese in Other Languages
Popularity Over Time
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Anneliese
Anneliese van der Pol
Actor
1984
American actress and singer known for That's So Raven and its sequel Raven's Home
Anneliese Michel
Other
1952
German Catholic woman whose exorcism became the basis for several horror films, including The Exorcism of Emily Rose
Princess Anneliese Fictional
Royalty
Protagonist of Barbie and the Princess and the Pauper (2004), a beloved animated film character
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 4
- Popularity Rank
- #1,412
- Total SSA Count
- 158
- Cultural Origins
- German Dutch Scandinavian Swiss
- Pronunciation
- Moderate
- Formality
- Formal
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, German heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
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Distinctive pick, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, German heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, German heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Anneliese
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Similar Names
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Same Origin Names (German)
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Frequently Asked Questions About Anneliese
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About the Name Anneliese
Anneliese is a girl name with German, Dutch, Scandinavian, and Swiss origins . The name means "grace, favor" in Hebrew via Anna .
Anneliese is currently ranked #1,412 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Anneliese has 4 syllables, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Anneliese include Annie, Anna, Liesel, Elise, and Lise. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Anneliese include Anne, Annette, Annelise, Annemarie . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
Keep Exploring
Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis