Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Hannah is a Hebrew name meaning 'grace' or 'favor'. It has evolved from the Hebrew Channah to the Latin Anna and is now widely used in English. The name is associated with positive traits and has notable biblical relevance as the mother of Samuel. Its popularity surged in the 18th and 19th centuries, and it remains a beloved choice today.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈhænə/
Origin
Hebrew
Etymology
The name Hannah comes from the Hebrew name חַנָּה (Channah), which means 'grace' or 'favor'.
Meaning
grace, favor
Language Evolution
Channah (Hebrew), Anna (Latin), Hannah (English)
Biblical Background
Hannah is a prominent figure in the Bible, known as the mother of the prophet Samuel. Her story is found in the First Book of Samuel.
Historical Usage
The name gained popularity in the English-speaking world in the 18th and 19th centuries, influenced by its biblical roots and the revival of interest in biblical names.
Variants & Derivatives
Anna, Hana, Hanne, Hani
Modern Popularity & Image
Hannah remains a popular name today, often associated with kindness and grace. It is viewed positively and is commonly chosen for its biblical significance.
Famous People
Hannah Arendt (philosopher), Hannah Montana (fictional character), Hannah Waddingham (actress)
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 23,112 peak births in 2000
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Alaska
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 12 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (2 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 2 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 7545th of 7545 | 5 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 8639th of 10718 | 13 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 3118th of 16616 | 291 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 4030th of 24088 | 354 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 11245th of 23106 | 58 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 273rd of 9107 | 10,028 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 492nd of 9204 | 3,750 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 819th of 12526 | 2,835 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 491st of 19264 | 6,431 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 39th of 27321 | 126,646 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 4th of 35406 | 240,298 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 32nd of 30306 | 65,833 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - |
42.66% 2216th/5194 |
53.79% 3398th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - |
32.26% 2359th/7313 |
- |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
25.92% 367th/1416 |
14.50% 200th/1379 |
12.93% 306th/2366 |
29.68% 339th/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
41.79% 646th/1546 |
22.56% 351st/1556 |
19.04% 448th/2353 |
41.82% 647th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
47.10% 1049th/2227 |
25.02% 608th/2430 |
27.30% 779th/2853 |
38.34% 1064th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
16.79% 493rd/2937 |
13.78% 480th/3483 |
15.09% 531st/3518 |
10.83% 438th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
0.92% 34th/3685 |
1.30% 58th/4475 |
0.65% 34th/5194 |
0.70% 44th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
0.11% 5th/4582 |
0.21% 11th/5164 |
0.04% 3rd/7313 |
0.12% 9th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
0.90% 36th/3984 |
0.53% 24th/4487 |
0.50% 34th/6822 |
0.62% 39th/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in Alaska across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) generation in the MidWest region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is declining in usage, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been gradually declining. From 2020-2022, usage has been too rising for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, too falling for female in South, stalled for male in West, too rising for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been too rising for female in MidWest, too rising for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, too rising for female in South, stalled for male in West, too rising for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 7545th out of 7545 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 8639th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 3118th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 4030th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 11245th out of 23106 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 273rd out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 492nd out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 819th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 491st out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 39th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 4th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 32nd out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
