"grace, favor"
Hanna
Pronunciation: [ h-AN-uh ]
Graceful simplicity across every culture
Meaning & Origin
Things to Know About This Name
- May require constant spelling clarification vs. the more common 'Hannah'
- Associated with Hanna-Barbera cartoons which may feel trivial
The Story of Hanna
Hanna is derived from the Hebrew Channah, meaning 'grace' or 'favor.' In the Old Testament, Hannah was the mother of the prophet Samuel, a woman of deep faith who prayed fervently for a child. The one-n spelling Hanna is standard in German, Scandinavian, and Arabic-speaking traditions, and gives the name a sleek, international feel.
Hanna benefits from the enduring love for Hannah while offering a slightly more streamlined, continental spelling that appeals to parents seeking simplicity.
In Hebrew scripture, Hannah's prayer in the Temple is one of the most celebrated expressions of personal faith; the name remains deeply meaningful in Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions.
Fun Facts
- Hannah is a palindrome — it reads the same forwards and backwards.
- The German and Scandinavian spelling 'Hanna' without the double-n is the historical original in those languages.
- Hannah ranked #13 in the US in 1999 at the height of its popularity.
Hanna in Other Languages
Famous People Named Hanna
Hanna Hedman
Athlete
1989
Swedish cross-country skier and Olympic competitor
Hannah (biblical)
Religious
Mother of the prophet Samuel in the Old Testament
Hanna Marin Fictional
Other
Fictional character from Pretty Little Liars TV series
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #505
- Total SSA Count
- 605
- Cultural Origins
- Hebrew German Scandinavian American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Pairs Well With
Sibling Names
Also a Boy Name
Hanna is also used as a boy name, ranked #40466.
View Hanna as a boy name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Hanna
What does the name Hanna mean?
What is the origin of the name Hanna?
Is Hanna a boy or girl name?
How do you pronounce Hanna?
How popular is the name Hanna?
What are common nicknames for Hanna?
What are good middle names for Hanna?
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How many syllables does Hanna have?
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About the Name Hanna
Hanna is a girl name with Hebrew, German, Scandinavian, and American origins . The name means "grace, favor" in Hebrew .
Is Hanna a boy or girl name? Hanna is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #505 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #40,466. Hanna is more commonly used as a girl name.
Hanna is currently ranked #505 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Hanna has 2 syllables and is pronounced h-AN-uh, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Hanna include Han and Annie. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Hanna include Hannah, Hannia, Hanny . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.