Anpu as a Baby Name. Meaning and Origin of Anpu

What is the meaning of the name Anpu ?

The baby name Anpu is a Male name , 2 syllables long and is pronounced AN-poo (IPA: /ˈænpuː/).

Anpu is Egyptian in Origin.

Anpu is the Egyptological transcription of the ancient Egyptian jnpw (Inpu), the name of the jackal‑headed deity who presides over embalming, protects tombs, and guides souls. The etymology is debated: some scholars relate it to a term for “royal child,” while others connect it to a verb meaning “to decay,” aligning with the god’s funerary role; a definitive meaning remains uncertain. Variants and related forms include Inpu, Inepu, Anupu, the Coptic Anoup/Anoub, and the Greek Anubis.

As a human name element, Anpu is attested from the Old Kingdom onward in theophoric compounds such as Si‑Inpu (“son of Anubis”) and Ir‑en‑Inpu (“made by Anubis”). As a modern given name, Anpu is rare but sees revival among those drawn to Egyptian heritage, mythology, and striking phonetics. Note that Anpu/Anubis is unrelated to the Indian name Anup, which has a separate Sanskrit origin and meaning.