Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Hans
BoyGerman, Hebrew· “short form of Johannes; God is gracious”
- Meaning
- short form of Johannes; God is gracious
- Origin
- German, Hebrew
- Pronunciation
- HAHNS
- Syllables
- 1
- US rank 2025
- #1,325
- US babies 2025
- 146
- Best rank
- #291 (1885)
- Peak year
- 1970
Meaning and origin of Hans
Hans is a German and Hebrew name that means “short form of Johannes; God is gracious”.
Hans is the German and Scandinavian short form of Johannes, the Latin form of John, from the Hebrew Yochanan, meaning God is gracious. For centuries it was one of the most common names in German-speaking lands and across northern Europe. Famous bearers include the Danish storyteller Hans Christian Andersen and the painter Hans Holbein the Younger. It has a sturdy, no-nonsense feel and a long association with craftsmen, artists and thinkers. For families with German or Scandinavian heritage it offers a simple, traditional choice that is easy to say.
Popularity over time
Hans has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 116 different years. Its best national rank was #291 in 1885, and the most babies received it in 1970, when 271 were named Hans. In 2025, 146 babies were named Hans, and it ranked #1,325 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #855 in 1920, #846 in 1950, #598 in 1980, #1,078 in 2000, #1,546 in 2010, and #1,325 in 2025. Of the 15,677 US boys named Hans since records began, 15% were born in the 1960s, its biggest decade. The 1970s come next, with 2,193 babies. Since 2010, 1,927 more have been named Hans.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Robb, Brant, Shon, Erich, and Jacques.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Hans ranked highest in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Colorado.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | #456 | 12 |
| Wisconsin | #536 | 9 |
| Colorado | #798 | 6 |
| Washington | #935 | 6 |
| Pennsylvania | #1039 | 7 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Hans is usually pronounced HAHNS, with one syllable. It has four letters, starts with H and ends in “-ns”.
Middle names for Hans
A few middle names that flow with Hans: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Hans
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Lists that include Hans
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Hans mean?
Hans is a German and Hebrew name that means “short form of Johannes; God is gracious”.
What is the origin of the name Hans?
Hans has German and Hebrew roots. Hans is the German and Scandinavian short form of Johannes, the Latin form of John, from the Hebrew Yochanan, meaning God is gracious.
Is Hans a popular name?
Not especially. Hans ranked #1,325 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Hans a boy or girl name?
Hans is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Hans?
Hans is usually pronounced HAHNS. 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