Where does “Pollyanna” come from?
Pollyanna derives from English Anna, a female given name from Ancient Greek Ἄννα, ultimately from Hebrew חַנָּה meaning grace or favor.
Pollyanna (English): One who is persistently cheerful and optimistic,...
Definitions
- One who is persistently cheerful and optimistic,...
Ancestry of “Pollyanna”, step by step
Pollyanna traces back through two separate lines of ancestry.
via English Anna
| Step | Language | Word | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | English | Anna | A prophetess in the New Testament |
| 2 | Late Latin | Anna | — |
| 3 | Koine Greek | Ἄννα | — |
| 4 | Hebrew | חַנָּה | grace, gracious |
via English Polly
| Step | Language | Word | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | English | Polly | A prefect at Uppingham School in Rutland, England |