Annis

[DessieLou]

Thoughts? Apparently dh had a great aunt called Annis. I don't know anything about it/it's origins but i think it's rather pretty.

[akachan]

How is it pronounced?

[ninah]

I like it

[squoosh]

It's ringing a bell somewhere, was there an Annis in the Chalet School books?

[Madratlady]

I know an Annis, she's in her early 20s.

I think it's a lovely name, unusual without being too weird.

[barebranches]

i had a great aunt Annis. very old name... i like it.

[DessieLou]

akachan it is pronounced Ann-iss, to rhyme with Alice. In fact it would probably get confused for Alice a lot.

[SwedishEdith]

First thoughts were anus and penis.

[squoosh]

You Swedes are a filthy bunch!

[MarmiteChocolate]

I thought anus too... how about Anais or Annie?

[SS3J]

I liked it and suggested it for dd, although would have spelt it Annys. But DP just laughed and said she'd get called Anus. Can't say I thought of that myself but some people obviously might!

[florascotia]

'Annis' is the way 'Agnes' is pronounced in some parts of Scotland. As other posters have said, it is indeed a very old name and is pronounced 'Ann-iss' (to rhyme with kiss).

There is also Anstice (Anns-tiss), a short form of Anastasia.

[Highlystrungmum]

Nice but to much like anus?? What about Anais?

[floatyflo]

Thought it was lovely when I thought it was pronounced Ah-niece, like star anise if iykwim.

But pronounced Ah-niss, not so much!

[lookdeepintotheparka]

I love, love this name I would have used it for DD but doesn't work at all with my surname.

Could also be spelled Anys.

[CPtart]

Another that thought anus!

[Suttyshotty]

How about Annice? Same name, less like a bodily part?!

[bouquetofpencils]

What about Anise as in Star Anise?

[devoncreamtea]

It's lovely. I like the spelling too.

[peppinagiro]

Definitely sounds like anus - my first thought too. Then 'amiss' and 'aniseed'.

[ginzillas]

Oh dear, I also thought 'anus' and then the character from Brokeback Mountain, although that was actually Ennis...
Anais is lovely.

[DessieLou]

Anus?! Normally i pick up on stuff like that but missed that connection! Thanks for your thoughts. We use family names as middle names so think i may add it to that list.

[TulipOHare]

I quite like it, but my first thought was the folkloric hag Black Annis

Probably not a connection you'd need to worry about many people making, though

[UriGeller]

I like it, sounds medieval.

But also, annus horribilis.

So, I'm not sure. But I love Anni/e

[LadyIsabellaWrotham]

It's one of my favourite Georgette Heyer heroines.

But I grant you it is a teeny bit anussy.

[Foundinabox]

Wasn't sure when I first read it, but yes, it's nice. I'm another fan of Anni/e having met some lovely ones.