Hanna is a feminine name of Hebrew origin, meaning "grace" or "favor". It is derived from the Hebrew word "channah", which also means "graced by God". The name has been used throughout history and is known for its biblical connections.
In the Old Testament of the Bible, Hanna is mentioned as one of the wives of Elkanah. She was barren but eventually gave birth to Samuel, who grew up to become a prophet in ancient Israel. This story has made Hanna a popular name among Christians and Jews alike.
The name Hanna gained popularity in Europe during the Middle Ages through the works of medieval poets like Dante Alighieri, who featured a character named Hanna in his Divine Comedy. It also appears in several other literary works, including those by Goethe and Shakespeare.
In some cultures, Hanna is associated with the Virgin Mary, as it was one of her names in ancient tradition. This further contributed to its popularity among religious communities.
Today, Hanna remains a popular name worldwide, especially in Scandinavian countries where it is often spelled with an extra 'n' (Hann[a]). While it may have different spelling variations and pronunciation depending on the language and culture, its meaning of "grace" or "favor" transcends these differences.
These statistics show a fascinating journey of the name Hanna over time. The first notable peak occurs around the late 1970s to early 1980s, with a significant increase from 78 births in 1977 to 246 births in 1983. This trend continues into the mid-1990s, reaching its zenith with 1898 births in 1998.
However, after this peak, there's a steady decline, dropping from 1878 births in 1999 to 569 births in 2019. This trend persists into the early 2020s, with 550 births in 2021 and 557 births total for 2022 and 2023 combined.
This decline could be attributed to several factors such as changing naming trends, population shifts, or even a decrease in overall birth rates. Despite the fluctuation, it's clear that Hanna remains a name with historical significance and continues to be chosen for newborn girls today, with an average of approximately 568 births per year from 2019 to 2023.