Channah is a Hebrew feminine given name derived from the Hebrew word "chanah" which means "grace." The name has roots in Jewish history and culture, with several notable figures bearing this name.
In the Bible, Channah was the mother of Samuel, one of the prophets. She was barren for many years but eventually conceived after praying fervently to God at the Temple in Shiloh. After giving birth, she named her son Samuel, which means "God heard," reflecting her belief that God had answered her prayers.
In Jewish tradition, Channah is also associated with the festival of Hanukkah. According to legend, when the Maccabees reclaimed the Temple after defeating the Seleucid Greeks, they found only enough oil to burn for one day but it lasted for eight days. To commemorate this miracle, Jews celebrate Hanukkah for eight nights by lighting a menorah candle each night. The name Channah is sometimes connected to this festival because of its association with light and miracles.
Throughout history, many notable women have borne the name Channah. For example, Channah Senesh was a Hungarian-Jewish poet who wrote powerful anti-Nazi poetry during World War II. Her work continues to inspire people today as a testament to her courage and resilience in the face of oppression.
In recent times, the name Channah has gained popularity beyond Jewish communities due to its unique sound and meaning. It is often chosen by parents looking for a distinctive yet meaningful name for their daughters. Overall, Channah is a beautiful Hebrew name with deep roots in history and culture that continues to resonate today.
The name Chanah experienced a notable increase in popularity from the late 1990s to the mid-2000s, with peaks of 11 births in 1997 and 2004, and consistently high numbers between 1996 and 2003. However, it has since declined, with fewer than 10 births per year from 2008 onwards, reaching a low of just 5 births in both 2016 and 2023. Overall, there were 195 babies named Chanah between 1975 and 2023.