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Name meaning & originHannah חַנָּה

/HAN-uh/

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Hannah is a Hebrew girl's name pronounced /HAN-uh/. The name Hannah literally translates to favor or grace.

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Meaning of Hannah

The name Hannah literally translates to favor or grace.

It is derived from the Hebrew word 'Channah', rooted in the verb 'hanan', which means to show favor or be gracious. In the Old Testament, Hannah was the mother of the prophet Samuel, known for her devotion and persistent prayer for a child. The name gained widespread popularity in Europe and North America after the Protestant Reformation.

Origin
Hebrew
Pronunciation
/HAN-uh/

Cultural background

Hannah is a perennially popular name in English-speaking countries, Germany, and Scandinavia, consistently appearing in top naming charts for decades.

Variations & nicknames

  • Hanna
  • Hana
  • Anne
  • Anna
  • Annie
  • Nan

Famous people named Hannah

Well-known namesakes — celebrities, historical figures and characters.

  • Hannah Arendt

    Influential political theorist and philosopher

    Philosophy · 20th Century

  • Hannah Gadsby

    Award-winning comedian and writer

    Entertainment · Modern

  • Hannah Abbott

    Character from the Harry Potter book series

    Literature · 1990s

  • Hannah More

    Religious writer and philanthropist

    Literature · 18th-19th Century

  • Hannah Waddingham

    Emmy-winning actress and singer

    Film · Modern

Frequently asked about Hannah

Is Hannah a biblical name?
Yes, Hannah is a prominent figure in the Old Testament as the mother of Samuel.
Is Hannah a palindrome?
Yes, Hannah is one of the most common examples of a name that is spelled the same way forwards and backwards.
How do you pronounce the Hebrew version?
The original Hebrew pronunciation starts with a soft, guttural 'Ch' sound, pronounced 'KHA-nah'.

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