What does Hannibal mean and where does it come from?
Hannibal is a name of Phoenician origin, historically associated with the Carthaginian general Hannibal Barca, who is famously known for leading his army, including war elephants, across the Alps during the Second Punic War against Rome (218-201 BC). The name reflects both military prowess and a cul
Cultural significance
Hannibal has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Tunisia-speaking communities, where it reflects values of grace of baal.
Peak popularity
Reached #1070 in 1885 — currently #7441 in the US.
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Related Reading
Tunisia-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Hannibal?
Hannibal works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Hannibal Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Hannibal Rose
Floral · soft ending
Hannibal Mae
Sweet · timeless
Hannibal Claire
French influence · crisp
Hannibal Jane
Literary · strong
Hannibal Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Hannibal right now?
Falling — down 2246 spots — currently #7441 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #7441 | 11 | ▼ down 2246 · -39% births |
| 2021 | #5195 | 18 | ▲ up 1065 · +38% births |
| 2020 | #6260 | 13 | ▼ down 1368 · -32% births |
| 2015 | #4892 | 19 | ▲ up 4824 · +171% births |
| 2010 | #9716 | 7 | ▼ down 569 |
| 2005 | #9147 | 7 | ▼ down 1694 · -12% births |
| 2000 | #7453 | 8 | ▼ down 1503 · -11% births |
| 1995 | #5950 | 9 | ▼ down 1259 · -18% births |
| 1990 | #4691 | 11 | ▼ down 1455 · -21% births |
| 1985 | #3236 | 14 | ▼ down 497 · -18% births |
| 1980 | #2739 | 17 | ▲ up 2117 · +183% births |
| 1975 | #4856 | 6 | ▼ down 60 · +20% births |
| 1970 | #4796 | 5 | ▼ down 1414 · -29% births |
| 1960 | #3382 | 7 | ▼ down 468 |
| 1940 | #2914 | 7 | — |
The story of Hannibal
Hannibal has been a beloved American name for over 139 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1885. With 739 total births recorded, Hannibal remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #1070 in 1885, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #7441 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Hannibal in 1885:
Hannibal by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 5 | |
| 1890s | 5 | |
| 1900s | 5 | |
| 1910s | 40 | |
| 1920s | 68 | |
| 1930s | 31 | |
| 1940s | 13 | |
| 1950s | 15 | |
| 1960s | 44 | |
| 1970s | 88 | |
| 1980s | 128 | |
| 1990s | 84 | |
| 2000s | 63 | |
| 2010s ★ | 137 | |
| 2020s | 13 | |
💎Hannibal has only 739 total recorded births since 1885 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Hannibal?
What names sound and feel like Hannibal?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Hannibal also consider these
How is Hannibal written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Hannibal
What does the name Hannibal mean?
Hannibal means "grace of Baal" — a name rooted in Tunisia 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 Hannibal?
Hannibal is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Hannibal?
Hannibal originates from Tunisia tradition. Tunisia 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 Hannibal?
Hannibal is a three-syllable name pronounced HH AE1 N IH0 B AH0 L. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Hannibal?
Hannibal pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Tunisia heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.