Hannah's International Versions
By al84
Updated Thu May 18 2023
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With its beautiful meaning "Grace" and "Favor", no wonder Hannah has been so popular. But is it too popular for you? Maybe an International version with the same meaning and roots will be right for you.
- Aina
Origin:
Scandinavian and Finnish variation of Aino, Catalan variation of Anna, Japanese, Latvian, Kazakh, YorubaMeaning:
"always; grace; lover of green; sight; mirror; delivery had complications [umbilical cord twisted around neck]"Description:
A bright-sounding name with multicultural appeal, used regularly as a first name in Japan, Scandinavia, Latvia, and Spain.
- Ana
Origin:
Variation of HannahMeaning:
"grace"Description:
Confident and compact, Ana is a widely used variation of the Biblical Hannah. Favored in Spain, Slovenia, Bosnia, Portugal, and Croatia, this shorter spelling has the same substance and versatility of its longer counterparts.
- Anca
Description:
Anca is a feminine name with Romanian and Eastern European origins. In Romanian culture, where it's most commonly found, Anca functions as a standalone name rather than a diminutive. It may have evolved from the name Anna or as a shortened form of names containing the 'anc' sound. With its crisp, clean sound and symmetrical structure, Anca has maintained popularity in Romania and neighboring countries. The name is appreciated for its simplicity and elegance, featuring just two syllables with a melodic quality. Outside Eastern Europe, Anca remains relatively uncommon but is easily pronounced in most languages. The name carries connotations of strength and femininity in Romanian culture, though it lacks specific etymological meaning beyond its possible connection to Anna (meaning 'grace').
- Ane
Description:
Ane is a feminine name of Nordic origin, particularly common in Denmark and Norway. It is a variation of Anna, which derives from the Hebrew name Hannah, meaning 'grace' or 'favor.' In Scandinavian countries, Ane has been used for centuries, often appearing in historical records dating back to medieval times. The name has a simple, elegant quality with its short pronunciation and has maintained steady usage without becoming overly popular. In modern times, Ane appeals to parents looking for a traditional name with Nordic roots that is brief and easy to pronounce across languages.
- Aneta
Origin:
Polish, Czech, Slovak, Bulgarian, diminutive of AnnaMeaning:
"grace"Description:
A sweet Slavic Anna name that feels fresher than Annette.
- Anica
Origin:
Romanian, Slovene, Croatian, SerbianMeaning:
"grace"Description:
Diminutive form of Anna, pronounced "ah-nee-tsa" in Slovene, Croatian and Serbian and like Annika in Romanian.
- Anika
Origin:
Nordic diminutive of Anne or African, HausaMeaning:
"sweetness of face"Description:
Anike is an attractive name with ties to several cultures, both African and Scandinavian. The African pronunciation emphasizes the second syllable while the Nordic one emphasizes the first. While there will be inevitable confusion over pronunciation, either form is "correct".
- Anita
Origin:
Spanish diminutive of Ana; SanskritMeaning:
"grace; unguided"Description:
Once a Top 100 name, this Spanish diminutive of Ana still retains some of her Latin flair. A notable namesake is noted attorney Anita Hill, another is the great jazz singer Anita O'Day. Plus there's Disney cred via the lead human character in 101 Dalmatians.
- Anja
Origin:
Scandinavian; Finnish; Slovene; Croatian; Serbian, from RussianMeaning:
"grace"Description:
Anja is one of the most international of several versions of Ann/Anna now being imported, also including Anya and Annika.
- Anna
Origin:
Variation of Hannah, HebrewMeaning:
"grace"Description:
Anna has become the dominant form of the Ann family, offering a touch of the international to English speakers and a bit more style than the oversimplified Ann or Anne.
- Annabella
Origin:
Variation of Annabel or English compound name, Anna + BellaMeaning:
"loving or grace + beautiful"Description:
Annabella is one of a constellation of names that include Anabella, Annabelle, Annabel, Anabel, Annabelle, and Annabell -- all lovely names that have suffered from their association with the eponymous horror movie. Annabella fell off the US Top 1000 in 2021, and ironically, the only version of the name that hangs on in the Top 1000 is Annabelle, the spelling used in the movie.
- Annabelle
Origin:
Combination of Anna and Belle or French form of AmabelMeaning:
"loving"Description:
This is a charming name that rose steeply along with other-belle names, such as Isabelle, until the horror film Annabelle and its sequels knocked it out of favor. Made famous by the Edgar Allen Poe poem Annabel Lee. Annabelle is saucy and stylish, a tad upscale, has a sense of humor, is melodious and lively, but is unfortunately off its peak.
- Anne
Origin:
French variation of English Ann and Hebrew HannahMeaning:
"grace"Description:
The name of the sainted mother of the Virgin Mary was among the top girls’ names for centuries, in both the original English Ann spelling and the French Anne. Both left the Top 100 around 1970 but Anne is still among the most classic names for girls, although others are more likely to choose the original Hannah, the Anna variation, or even Annabel or Annabella.
- Annette
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"grace"Description:
Annette is a French diminutive of Ann which was among the first wave of widely-used girls' names from France, now neglected for so long that it's almost starting to feel stylish again.
- Annick
Origin:
Breton, “grace”Description:
Originating as a Breton diminutive of Anne, Annick has a long history of use as a standalone name in its native region of Brittany and elsewhere. It was a Top 100 name in France from 1929 to 1970, spending several years in the Top 20 in the 1940s and 50s. It would make for a fresh twist on classic Ann or Anna.
- Annicka
Description:
Annicka is a feminine name with Scandinavian and Dutch origins, serving as a variant of Anna or Annika. Derived ultimately from the Hebrew Hannah, meaning 'grace,' Annicka carries a charming European flair with its distinctive spelling. The double 'n' and 'ck' combination gives this name a unique visual appeal while maintaining its connection to the widely beloved Anna family of names. Popular primarily in Nordic countries and the Netherlands, Annicka remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking regions, making it feel fresh yet familiar. The name conveys a sense of sweetness and strength simultaneously, with its melodic sound pattern and strong consonants creating a balanced feminine identity.
- Annika
Origin:
Swedish diminutive of AnnaMeaning:
"grace"Description:
Annika is a surprise hit of recent years, inspired by golfer Sorenstam; for Trekkies, it was also the name of a 'Star Trek:Voyager' character. Some people's first memory of it might be as Pippi Longstocking's friend. A nice namesake for an ancestral Ann.
- Anu
Origin:
Finnish and Estonian diminutive of Anna, Sanskrit diminutive of Anuradha, Yoruba, CelticMeaning:
"grace; causing success; mercy"Description:
A multicultural mini name with roots in three continents.
- Channa
Description:
Channa is a feminine name with diverse cultural roots. In Hebrew, it's a variation of Hannah, meaning 'grace' or 'favor.' It also appears in Indian traditions, derived from Sanskrit where it can relate to the moon or be a variation of Chandra. In some Southeast Asian cultures, particularly Cambodia, Channa represents the frangipani flower. This multicultural name carries spiritual significance in several traditions—Hannah is an important biblical figure, while in Buddhism, the name connects to mindfulness. Channa's global presence makes it an appealing cross-cultural choice. The name combines mellifluous sounds with meaningful associations across different heritage traditions, appealing to parents seeking a name with both international versatility and spiritual depth.
- Hania
Origin:
Hebrew, PolishMeaning:
"encampment; grace"Description:
This very unusual name, also related to Hannah, was chosen for his daughter by Vin Diesel.