What does Hannah mean and where does it come from?
Hannah is a name of Hebrew origin, derived from the Hebrew word 'חֵן' (chen), meaning grace or favor. It is a prominent name in the Jewish tradition, often associated with the biblical figure Hannah, the mother of Samuel, who is celebrated for her piety and faith. The name has been used in various f
Cultural significance
Hannah has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Israel-speaking communities, where it reflects values of חַנָּה.
Peak popularity
Reached #2 in 1998 — currently #48 in the US.
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Related Reading
Israel-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Hannah?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Hannah?
Hannah works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Hannah Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Hannah Rose
Floral · soft ending
Hannah Mae
Sweet · timeless
Hannah Claire
French influence · crisp
Hannah Jane
Literary · strong
Hannah Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Hannah right now?
Holding steady — currently #48 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #48 | 4,117 | ▼ down 1 · -8% births |
| 2022 | #47 | 4,488 | ▼ down 3 · -2% births |
| 2021 | #44 | 4,588 | ▼ down 5 · -7% births |
| 2020 | #39 | 4,910 | ▼ down 11 · -23% births |
| 2015 | #28 | 6,414 | ▼ down 7 · -8% births |
| 2010 | #21 | 6,988 | ▼ down 14 · -53% births |
| 2005 | #7 | 14,845 | ▼ down 5 · -36% births |
| 2000 | #2 | 23,082 | ▲ up 5 · +36% births |
| 1995 | #7 | 17,010 | ▲ up 23 · +66% births |
| 1990 | #30 | 10,276 | ▲ up 87 · +320% births |
| 1985 | #117 | 2,448 | ▲ up 96 · +100% births |
| 1980 | #213 | 1,222 | ▲ up 232 · +176% births |
| 1975 | #445 | 443 | ▲ up 360 · +158% births |
| 1970 | #805 | 172 | ▲ up 103 · +40% births |
| 1965 | #908 | 123 | — |
The story of Hannah
Hannah has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. It peaked at #2 in 1998, placing it among the top 10 most popular names. More than 444,738 babies have been named Hannah since 1880. Hannah shows a classic revival pattern — popular in the 1880s, declining mid-century, then surging back in recent decades. Hannah is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Hannah in 1998:
Hannah by decade
Hannah peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 2,480 | |
| 1890s | 3,021 | |
| 1900s | 2,605 | |
| 1910s | 4,470 | |
| 1920s | 3,811 | |
| 1930s | 2,125 | |
| 1940s | 1,777 | |
| 1950s | 1,446 | |
| 1960s | 1,370 | |
| 1970s | 4,553 | |
| 1980s | 32,856 | |
| 1990s ★ | 158,992 | |
| 2000s | 155,966 | |
| 2010s | 64,351 | |
| 2020s | 4,915 | |
What are good nicknames for Hannah?
CROATIAN
AnicaAnitaAnjaAnkaAnkicaNensi
What names sound and feel like Hannah?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Hannah also consider these
How is Hannah written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Hannah
What does the name Hannah mean?
Hannah means "חַנָּה" — a name rooted in Israel 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 Hannah?
Hannah is currently ranked #48 in the United States 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 Hannah?
Hannah originates from Israel tradition. Israel names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Hannah?
Hannah is a two-syllable name pronounced HH AE1 N AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Hannah more of a girl or boy name?
Hannah is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.