Hannah
Girl Name Hebrew origin
Origin
Hebrew
Syllables
2
First Letter
H
Popularity
81/100

Meaning of Hannah

Grace, favour of God

Origin: Hebrew

About the Name Hannah

Hannah is a two-syllable feminine name of Hebrew origin, with roots in the ancient texts of the Old Testament and the rich tradition of biblical names that have crossed religious and cultural boundaries to become truly international. The name means "Grace". It is a well-established name worldwide - familiar to teachers, grandparents, and peers without feeling overused. "Grace" in Hebrew carries a weight that the English translation can only approximate. These ancient names were carried by prophets, matriarchs, and kings - they have been in continuous use for over 3,000 years, a longevity that few naming traditions can match.

The practical question of how Hannah flows with the family surname is worth considering. The name is universally familiar across communities worldwide, easy to spell and pronounce, and carries natural authority in both formal and informal settings. The starting letter 'H' gives Hannah a distinctive phonetic opening that makes it stand out on a class register without requiring an explanation. Notable bearers of the name include Hannah Arendt (philosopher), Hannah (biblical prophetess and mother of Samuel). Parents who choose Hannah tend to value a name that is immediately understood, easy to spell, and warm in sound.

Sound & Flow

Hannah is a 2-syllable name. Test it with your family surname to hear how it flows. For example: Hannah Tan, Hannah Lee, or Hannah Ng.

Pronunciation varies by community.

Cultural Context

Biblical in origin and widely used across Christian communities, often alongside a given name in a second language.

Popularity Through History

See all-time rankings →

Rank in California top 25 (1 = most popular). Bars represent years the name charted - Hover for rank.

1960
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#24
1995
#18
1996
#15
1997
#13
1998
#12
1999
#7
2000
#13
2001
#14
2002
#17
2003
#18
2004
#19
2005
#21
2006
#22
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Bar height = popularity rank (taller = higher rank) Hover for exact rank by year

Name Facts & Trivia

Name length
6 letters
Medium length - A comfortable balance for everyday use.
Syllable pattern
2 syllables
Two-syllable names are the most popular pattern across cultures.
First letter
H
Browse more names starting with H
Gender
Girl
A traditionally girl name across most cultures.

Famous People Named Hannah

Prominent figures who share this name - Drawn from global culture, sports, and public life.

Names of Hebrew origin have centuries of history in literature, religion, and public life. Many are shared by prominent leaders, scholars, and artists worldwide.

Want to discover names with similar fame? Try our name generator.

Frequently Asked Questions

Grace, favour of God Its Hebrew roots give it a timeless quality that resonates across generations.
Hannah has a popularity score of 81/100. It is a well-known and widely chosen name — familiar but not overly common.
Hannah is traditionally a girl name with Hebrew origins. It has been used consistently for girls across different cultures and generations.
Test the name across all languages your family speaks to ensure it sounds natural. If you come from a multilingual household, say it in each language you use at home before deciding.
The best middle names for Hannah depend on your surname and cultural background. Hannah is versatile — it works with both short and longer middle names. Use our name generator to explore combinations.
Natural nicknames for Hannah often emerge from how family members start using it. At 2 syllables, there are natural places to shorten it. Try different variations until one feels right for your family.

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