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 has seen a varied pattern of usage over the years in the United States. The name first appears in the Social Security Administration's records in 1975 with five births that year, followed by another five births in 1976. There was a slight increase to six births in 1977 before the name seemed to fall out of favor for several years.
The name did not reappear until 1981 when seven babies were named Chanah. This was followed by five births each in 1983 and 1992, suggesting a slow but steady resurgence in popularity. The years between 1993 and 1997 saw a significant increase in the number of babies named Chanah, with a high of eleven births in 1997.
This trend continued into the early 2000s, with eight births each in 2000 and 2002, and seven births in 2003. The years 2004 to 2006 saw another peak in popularity with eleven, nine, and nine births respectively. However, the name's popularity began to decline after this point, with only seven births each in 2007, 2009, and 2010.
There was a brief resurgence in 2011 with nine births, followed by eight births in 2014. However, the name's popularity has been on the decline since then, with only five births each in 2016 and 2023, and six births in 2020.
In total, there have been 195 babies named Chanah born in the United States since 1975. While the name has seen periods of popularity and decline over the years, it remains a unique and distinctive choice for parents looking for something different.