Hannah: Name Guide
Quick Summary: Hannah is a female name of Hebrew origin, meaning "grace" or "favor". This biblical name has remained consistently popular across centuries, experiencing a major resurgence in the late 20th century.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Origin | Hebrew |
| Meaning | Grace, favor |
| Gender | Female |
| Pronunciation | HAN-ə |
Etymology of Hannah
Hannah derives from the Hebrew name חַנָּה (Channah), meaning "grace" or "favor". The root word "chen" (חֵן) in Hebrew conveys the concept of divine grace or loving-kindness.
The name entered English through biblical texts, particularly through the Old Testament story of Hannah, the mother of the prophet Samuel. Unlike many biblical names that were Latinized or Hellenized, Hannah retained its Hebrew form relatively intact when adopted into English-speaking cultures.
The name's meaning reflects a theological concept central to Judaism and Christianity: the idea of receiving unmerited favor or grace from God.
History of Hannah
Origins and Early Use
Hannah first appears in the Hebrew Bible (1 Samuel) as the mother of the prophet Samuel. In this narrative, Hannah was initially barren but prayed fervently for a child, promising to dedicate him to God's service. Her prayer was answered, and she became the mother of Samuel, one of Israel's most significant prophets. This story established Hannah as a symbol of faithful devotion and answered prayer in Jewish and Christian traditions.
Rise to Popularity
The name saw modest use among English-speaking Christians from the medieval period onward, but it gained particular prominence among Puritans in the 17th century, who favored Old Testament names. Hannah appeared regularly in colonial American records, though it remained a solid but unremarkable choice through the 18th and 19th centuries.
| Era | Event | Impact on Name |
|---|---|---|
| 1600s-1700s | Puritan naming traditions | Established Hannah in English-speaking world |
| 1860s | Hannah Senesh (later influence) | Associated with courage and resistance |
| 1980s-2000s | Celebrity culture | Actresses Hannah Montana character, Hannah Waddingham popularized modern use |
Modern Usage
Hannah experienced a dramatic revival starting in the 1980s, climbing from #213 in that decade to #2 in the 2000s. This resurgence coincided with a broader trend toward traditional biblical names with simple, accessible spellings. The name peaked in 1998 at #2 with over 21,000 births. As of 2024, Hannah ranks #52, indicating it has stabilized as a classic choice rather than a passing trend.
Key insight: This name rose because parents sought traditional biblical names that felt both timeless and modern, with clear pronunciation and spelling. It declined from its peak as naming trends diversified, but stabilized as a reliable classic.
Why people choose this name: People tend to choose Hannah when they want to convey grace, faith, and classic elegance, especially in contexts involving traditional values and religious heritage.
Variants of Hannah
| Language | Form | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| English | Hannah | Standard modern form |
| Hebrew | Channah (חַנָּה) | Original biblical form |
| French | Anne | Shortened related form |
| Spanish | Ana | Common Hispanic variant |
| German | Hanna | Single 'n' spelling |
| Finnish | Hanna | Single 'n' spelling |
| Polish | Hanna | Single 'n' spelling |
For digital IDs, shorter forms tend to be more practical than full international variants. Consider length, spelling clarity, and memorability.
Nicknames
Han, Hannie, Annie, Anna
Similar Names
- Anna - Variant form, shares the same Hebrew root
- Anne - French shortened form
- Johanna - Extended form combining Hannah with John
Hannah Popularity
US Rankings (SSA Data)
| Decade | Rank | Births |
|---|---|---|
| 1900s | #169 | 325 |
| 1920s | #300 | 471 |
| 1940s | #505 | 188 |
| 1960s | #920 | 133 |
| 1980s | #213 | 1,221 |
| 2000s | #2 | 23,087 |
| 2020s | #39 | 4,966 |
| 2024s | #52 | 4,054 |
Peak: 1998, ranked #2 (21,375 births)
Current (2024): #52 (4,054 births)
Trend analysis: Hannah's dramatic rise from the 1980s to 2000s reflects a generational preference for traditional biblical names with clear, phonetic spellings. The name's palindrome quality and cross-cultural accessibility contributed to its broad appeal.
Note: Popularity rankings reflect birth records and do not necessarily indicate current digital usage or username availability.
Hannah as a Username
Availability
"hannah" as a username is typically taken on major platforms due to its sustained popularity over two decades. However, availability varies by service and region.
Variations for IDs
| Style | Example | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | hannah | Professional (when available) |
| With numbers | hannah99, hannah2000 | Gaming, casual platforms |
| Abbreviated | han, hannie | Social media |
| Stylized | xhannah, hannahx | Creative accounts, preserves full name |
Digital Impression
Hannah as an ID tends to project:
- Approachability - because it's a familiar, friendly-sounding name
- Classic elegance - because of its biblical heritage and timeless quality
- Reliability - because it suggests traditional values without being dated
Best for: Professional networking, creative portfolios, personal blogs where you want to project warmth and authenticity.
Avoid if: you prefer highly unique or abstract usernames, or want to stand out in crowded gaming/streaming environments.
Is Hannah good for a username?
Hannah works well as a username if you value approachability, classic elegance, and personal branding that feels warm and authentic. However, due to its high popularity (especially among millennials and Gen Z), you will almost certainly need variations like hannah.2000, hannahxo, or han.creative to secure availability on established platforms.
FAQ
What does Hannah mean?
Hannah means "grace" or "favor" from Hebrew.
Is Hannah popular?
According to SSA data, Hannah ranks #52 in the US (2024). It is stable after declining from a peak of #2 in 1998-2000.
What are nicknames for Hannah?
Common nicknames: Han, Hannie, Annie, Anna.
Is Hannah a boy's or girl's name?
Hannah is traditionally a female name. It remains overwhelmingly used for girls in contemporary English-speaking cultures.
How do you pronounce Hannah?
Hannah is pronounced HAN-ə. The emphasis is on the first syllable, with a soft 'a' sound similar to "pan" or "hand".
Is Hannah good for a username?
Hannah works well as a username if you value approachability and classic elegance, though availability will require variation due to its popularity.
Related Names
- Grace - Same meaning (English translation of Hannah)
- Anna - Related variant form, shorter and often preferred for digital IDs
- Samuel - Biblical connection (Hannah's son in scripture)
Sources: SSA Baby Names (ssa.gov), Oxford Dictionary of First Names Last updated: February 2026