Meaning: Its source is Channah, a Hebrew name meaning "Favored grace."

Though not linguistically related, Hannah has been historically used as an English version of the Irish Gaelic name Aine.

Languages: This girl's name is used in German and English.

Nicknames: Ann, Annicka, Han, Hani, Nancy, Hannie, Hanny, Nanney, Nanny, Ans and Hanski

Compound Forms: Rosannah and Joyhannah

Alternative Spellings: Hanah and Hanna

Variant Forms: Anna, Hanni, Honna, Shahana and Anke

Non-English Forms: Anya, Hanne, Henna, Hannele, Hajna and Annemiek

Source Forms: Channah

Popularity: The name Hannah ranked 3rd in popularity for females of all ages in a sample of 2000-2003 Social Security Administration statistics, 367th in popularity for females of all ages in a sample of the 1990 US Census and 19th in popularity for females of all ages in a sample of the 1994 US Census.

This name was popular earlier in the 20th century, then fell off in usage, but has begun making a comeback in recent years.

Narrative: In the Jewish scriptures, Channah, wife of Elkanah, was barren. At the temple near Shiloh, she asked God to bless her with a child, promising to dedicate her baby to His service.

Her prayer was answered, and her son Samuel was ''lent to the Lord'' for all the days of his life. Indeed, he grew up to be one of Israel's most revered prophets.

With this story in mind, some authorites translate this name as a full sentence: ''God has graced me with a son.''