Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Hank
BoyEnglish, Germanic· “short for Henry; home ruler”
- Meaning
- short for Henry; home ruler
- Origin
- English, Germanic
- Pronunciation
- HANGK
- Syllables
- 1
- US rank 2025
- #413
- US babies 2025
- 776
- Best rank
- #413 (2025)
- Peak year
- 2025
Meaning and origin of Hank
Hank is an English and Germanic name that is usually said to mean “short for Henry; home ruler”.
Hank is a traditional American nickname for Henry, formed from Hankin, a medieval diminutive of John, and influenced by Hendrick, the Dutch form of Henry. Henry comes from Germanic elements meaning "home" and "ruler". Hank has been used for generations and is associated with celebrated Americans such as the country singer Hank Williams and the baseball player Hank Aaron. Today it is also used as a given name on its own, part of a revival of vintage, friendly nicknames. Hank sounds rugged, warm and down-to-earth, a one-syllable name with plenty of personality.
Popularity over time
Hank first appears in US Social Security records in 1908. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 57 different years, starting in 1946. It is at its all-time high right now: 2025 brought both its best national rank, #413, and its highest count, 776 babies. Use has grown 46% in ten years.
Its national rank moved from #3,062 in 1920, #750 in 1950, #926 in 1980, #1,490 in 2000, #806 in 2010, and #413 in 2025. Of the 16,984 US boys named Hank since records began, 29% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 4,253 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Koda, Kaysen, Tadeo, Conrad, and Leandro.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Hank ranked highest in Montana, South Dakota, and Nebraska.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Montana | #93 | 13 |
| South Dakota | #159 | 9 |
| Nebraska | #168 | 17 |
| Utah | #172 | 32 |
| North Dakota | #182 | 7 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Hank is usually pronounced HANGK, with one syllable. It has four letters, starts with H and ends in “-nk”.
Middle names for Hank
A few middle names that flow with Hank: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Hank
Similar names
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Lists that include Hank
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Hank mean?
Hank is an English and Germanic name that is usually said to mean “short for Henry; home ruler”.
What is the origin of the name Hank?
Hank has English and Germanic roots. Hank is a traditional American nickname for Henry, formed from Hankin, a medieval diminutive of John, and influenced by Hendrick, the Dutch form of Henry.
Is Hank a popular name?
Yes. Hank ranked #413 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Hank a boy or girl name?
Hank is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Hank?
Hank is usually pronounced HANGK. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings