Skip Ancestry navigation Skip to Footer Ancestry Home
  • Home
  • Trees
  • Search
  • Memories
  • DNA
  • Subscribe
  • Cart
  • Sign In
Home
Loading

Trees you own

    Shared with you

      Tree tools

      • My Trees
      • First Name Meanings
      • Last Name Meanings
      • Individual Records Search
      • Family Trees Support
      • Start a New Tree
      • Upload a GEDCOM
      Loading
      • All Collections
      • Census & Voter Lists
      • Birth, Marriage & Death
      • Military
      • Immigration & Travel
      • Public Member Trees
      • Card Catalogue
      • Member Search
      Memories
      Loading
      • Register a kit
      • AncestryDNA® Learning Hub
      • Traits Learning Hub
      • AncestryDNA®
      • AncestryDNA® Support
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      • Support Centre
      • About Us
      • Site Map
      • Gift Memberships
        • Ancestry Corporate
        • Fold3.com
        • ForcesWarRecords.com
        • Geneanet.org
        • Newspapers.com
        • ProGenealogists.com
        • RootsWeb.com
      • © 2006-2025 Ancestry
      • Privacy
      • Cookies
      • Terms and Conditions
      • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company

      Meaning of the first name
      Ananke

      Origin 
      Greek

      Meaning 
      Necessity

      Variations 
      Anane, Afanen, Akande

      *Some content has been generated by an artificial intelligence language model, in combination with data sourced from Ancestry records and provided by BabyNames.com.
      The name Ananke finds its origins in ancient Greek mythology, where it holds great significance as the personification of Necessity. In Greek culture, Ananke was believed to be a primordial deity, existing from the beginning of time, responsible for the unbreakable laws that govern the universe. As the embodiment of Necessity, Ananke was perceived as an inescapable force, determining the fate and destinies of gods and mortals alike. Often depicted alongside her partner, the god of time, Chronos, Ananke represented the immutable natural order and the necessary consequences of one's actions.

      Throughout history and across various disciplines, the name Ananke has left a lasting imprint. In ancient literature, Ananke was frequently referenced in philosophical works, including passages by Plato and Aristotle, as they explored the concepts of destiny, causality, and necessity. In later eras, Ananke's influence extended beyond philosophy, and her name notably entered the fields of psychology and anthropology, representing the compulsion or drive towards certain actions or behaviors.

      Today, the name Ananke is not as commonly used for individuals; however, it still holds significance in artistic and creative contexts. Within literature, poetry, and music, Ananke can symbolize the unavoidable nature of certain life events or the influence of fate on human existence. While the name Ananke may now only be found in limited usage, its historical and mythological roots continue to shape and inspire various artistic expressions.
      Based on our records...
      This is the most common surname, spouse name and child name associated with Ananke.
      Cosmogonies

      is the most common surname for Ananke.

      Chronos

      is the most common spouse name for Ananke.

      Aether

      is the most common child name for Ananke.

      Start your curiosity engines.

      Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
      Free Trial
      Order Ancestry
      did_you_know_bar
      Based on our records...
      Did you know?
      1859 is when there were the most people born with the first name Ananke.

      We'll guide you through the process of building and growing your tree

      Explore the origins of another name.