What does Hanna mean and where does it come from?
The name Hanna is of Hebrew origin, spelled as חַנָּה and means 'grace' or 'favor'. It has been a popular name across various cultures and languages, often appearing in religious texts. It was borne by Hanna in the Old Testament, who was the mother of the prophet Samuel. The name has variants such a
Cultural significance
Hanna has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hebrew-speaking communities, where it reflects values of grace.
Peak popularity
Reached #165 in 1998 — currently #512 in the US.
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Related Reading
Hebrew-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Hanna?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Hanna?
Hanna works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Hanna Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Hanna Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Hanna Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Hanna Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Hanna Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Hanna Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Hanna right now?
Declining — down 8 spots — currently #512 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #512 | 580 | ▼ down 8 · -5% births |
| 2024 | #504 | 608 | ▲ up 20 · +5% births |
| 2023 | #524 | 579 | ▲ up 17 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #541 | 569 | ▲ up 15 · +3% births |
| 2021 | #556 | 551 | ▼ down 30 · -3% births |
| 2020 | #526 | 566 | ▼ down 1 · -5% births |
| 2015 | #525 | 597 | ▼ down 9 · +3% births |
| 2010 | #516 | 578 | ▼ down 272 · -57% births |
| 2005 | #244 | 1,342 | ▼ down 73 · -30% births |
| 2000 | #171 | 1,911 | ▲ up 38 · +39% births |
| 1995 | #209 | 1,378 | ▲ up 135 · +77% births |
| 1990 | #344 | 777 | ▲ up 371 · +222% births |
| 1985 | #715 | 241 | ▲ up 473 · +115% births |
| 1980 | #1188 | 112 | ▲ up 717 · +138% births |
| 1975 | #1905 | 47 | — |
The story of Hanna
Hanna has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. A total of 39,219 babies have received this name. Once ranked #321 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #524 in 2023. Hanna is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Hanna in 1998:
Hanna by decade
Hanna peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 240 | |
| 1890s | 292 | |
| 1900s | 217 | |
| 1910s | 335 | |
| 1920s | 259 | |
| 1930s | 166 | |
| 1940s | 163 | |
| 1950s | 174 | |
| 1960s | 212 | |
| 1970s | 517 | |
| 1980s | 2,910 | |
| 1990s | 13,116 | |
| 2000s ★ | 13,532 | |
| 2010s | 6,520 | |
| 2020s | 1,754 | |
What are good nicknames for Hanna?
Famous people named Hanna
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Hanna (historical figure)
Hanna bore this name in the Biblical tradition, reflecting its deep roots in Hebrew scripture and culture.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2025
Explore →What names sound and feel like Hanna?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Hanna also consider these
Common questions about the name Hanna
What does the name Hanna mean?
Hanna means "Grace" — a name rooted in Hebrew tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Hanna?
Hanna is currently ranked #524 as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Hanna?
Hanna originates from Hebrew tradition. Hebrew names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
Is Hanna more of a girl or boy name?
Hanna is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.
Is Hanna a classic or a modern name?
Hanna has Hebrew roots that go back thousands of years, making it a genuine classic rather than a modern invention. Its staying power across generations reflects its fundamental appeal and the strength of its meaning.