Meaning & History
Anu 2 is an Akkadian, Assyrian, and Babylonian form of the Sumerian name An 2, also adopted by the Hurrians and Hittites. Anu was the supreme god of the heavens in Mesopotamian mythology, corresponding to the Sumerian god An. His name is derived from the Sumerian word for "heaven" or "sky."
Etymology and Origins
The name Anu ultimately comes from the Sumerian cuneiform sign 𒀭 (dingir), which originally meant "deity" or "god" and was used as a determinative before divine names. In Sumerian, the sign was read as an, meaning "heaven." The Akkadian, Assyrian, and Babylonian forms adopted the Sumerian base but adapted the pronunciation and meaning into their own linguistic contexts. Anu was also worshipped by the Hurrians and Hittites, who incorporated him into their pantheons.
Mythological Significance
Anu was a central figure in Mesopotamian religion, often regarded as the father of the gods. He was the son of An (or Anu himself in some traditions) and the goddess Ki. According to Sumerian mythology, An created the heavens and separated them from the earth. His offspring include Enlil, the god of wind and storms, and Enki, the god of water and wisdom. The cuneiform sign dingir was often used as a prefix to indicate a deity's name, even when referring to other gods, highlighting Anu's primacy.
Cultural Adoption
The name Anu spread beyond Mesopotamia to the Hurrians and Hittites, who maintained the deity's role as a sky god. Among the Hittites, Anu was part of a triad of supreme gods, alongside the storm god Teshub and the solar goddess Arinna. The use of the name in these cultures reflects the widespread influence of Mesopotamian religion across the ancient Near East.
Related Names
Anu is a variant of An 2, and both forms are connected to the same divine concept. The name appears in various linguistic adaptations: in Sumerian (An), Akkadian (Anu), Hurrian (Anu?), and Hittite. The root word an in Sumerian is also linked to the element en (lord) found in names like Enlil.
- Meaning: "Heaven, sky" or "god"
- Origin: Sumerian, adapted into Akkadian, Assyrian, Babylonian, Hurrian, and Hittite
- Type: Given name
- Usage Regions: Ancient Mesopotamia, Anatolia