Hannah: Name Meaning, Origin, & Popularity

Girl name origins & meanings

What does Hannah mean and stand for?

Meaning:

Hebrew: Grace; favor; gift of God's favor
Arabic: Happiness

Gender: Female

Syllables: 2

Pronunciation: The name Hannah is pronounced han-uh

The name Hannah originates from the Hebrew name Channah, meaning "grace" or "favor". It is a significant Biblical name, as Hannah is the mother of the prophet Samuel in the Old Testament. The various spellings of Hannah have Arabic, European, and Asian roots, as well.

Girl name variations

Family name origins & meanings

Scottish, Northern Irish, and English: variant spelling of Hanna.

Famous people who gave their babies this name

Hannah in Pop Culture

Do you know these fictional characters that share this first name?

Hannah Baker from 13 Reasons Why - A high school student who leaves behind a series of tapes explaining the reasons for her suicide.
Hannah McKay from Dexter - A complex character with a troubled past, Hannah becomes Dexter's lover and confidante.
Hannah Montana from Hannah Montana - A teenager living a double life as a normal schoolgirl by day and a famous pop singer by night.
Hannah Horvath from Girls - An aspiring writer navigating her twenties and the complexities of relationships and career in New York.
Hannah Wells from Designated Survivor - A determined and skilled FBI agent involved in solving the mystery of the Capitol bombing.

Popularity of the Name Hannah

According to the data from the Social Security Administration, Hannah has been a consistently popular name in the United States, often ranking within the top 25 names for baby girls.

Besides its Biblical roots, famous Hannahs include actress Hannah Simone and Olympic athlete Hannah Teter This name also has a rich historical significance, with notable individuals bearing the name such as author Hannah Arendt, known for her influential works in political philosophy.

In the world of entertainment, actresses like Hannah Simone from New Girl and Hannah Murray from Game of Thrones have contributed to the name's contemporary appeal. Additionally, fictional characters like Hannah Baker from 13 Reasons Why and Hannah Horvath from Girls have further solidified the name Hannah in popular culture, making it a timeless choice for parents over the years.