Hannah

Origin and meaning of Hannah

Hannah comes from the Hebrew Channah, 'grace, favour (of God),' the original form behind Anna and its many variants. In the Bible she is the mother of the prophet Samuel, a model of faith and trusting prayer. Widespread in the English- and German-speaking worlds, where it is a timeless classic, it is also common in Poland and appreciated elsewhere for its palindromic musicality. Sweet and timeless, it blends spirituality, elegant simplicity and a universal, reassuring character.

Variants around the world

How Hannah is said in other languages.

Famous people

• Hannah Arendt— philosopher