Proper noun

1. A diminutive form of Ann. A popular independent name in the 19th century.

Quotations

• ca. 1700 ?William Douglas: Annie Laurie:

  Maxwelton braes are bonnie

  Where early fa's the dew;

  An' it's there that Annie Laurie

  Gi'ed me her promise true.

• 1830 Mary Russell Mitford: Our Village: Fourth Series: Cottage Names:

  I never thought of the most brilliant and elegant women in England quite so charming as she really is, till I heard her call her younger sister "Annie". It seemed to remove at once the almost repellent quality which belongs to extreme polish, - gave a genial warmth to her brightness, became her like a smile. - - - If she had called her sister Anna-Maria according to the register, I should have admired, and feared, and shunned her to my dying day.

• 1947 Hilda Lawrence: Death of a Doll: pages 39-40:

  "I want you to stop calling yourself by that silly name, Annie," Mrs. Marshall-Gill said clearly. "It's inappropriate and ridiculous and I don't like it. It may even be dishonest, I don't know. At any rate, you're to stop it at once. I looked up your registration, and your name is Annie, a solid, Christian name. You'll do well to abide by it."

  "I don't like Annie," Jewel said.

  "It suits your face," Mrs. Marshall-Gill said. A titter ran around the listening room.