Hans
How to say it: HANZ · /ˈhænz/
German/Scandinavian short form of Johannes (John); from Hebrew 'Yohanan', meaning 'God is gracious'.
Hans was the 1,149th most popular boys’ name in the United States in 2025, given to 146 babies (Social Security Administration). Its busiest decade was the 1880s, its births are up about 20% in ten years, and it is projected to rise to #1,082 by 2030.
Updated · SSA 2025 data, published May 2026 · Insee 2025 data, published July 2026 · How we compute these figures
Key facts
| Rank among boys’ names, 2025 | #1,149 |
|---|---|
| Babies born in 2025 | 146 |
| Share of births | 1 in 22,707 |
| Peak decade | 1880s |
| Change over 10 years | +20% |
| Projected rank for 2030 (estimate) | #1,082 |
| In France, 2025 | #2,436 among boys’ names, 5 births |
Sources: Social Security Administration (SSA), Insee (France). How we compute these figures.
Its life, decade by decade
Long established before an 1880s high, Hans settled well below that level while staying in steady use. A gentle lift is expected in the near future.
What goes with it
A single clipped syllable with breathy energy makes Hans feel solid and strong. Otto makes a natural companion.
In the classroom
In a class of 25 children born in 2025, the chance that another child is called Hans is about under 1 in 200.
Around the world
This spelling is used in Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Hebrew, Norwegian, Swedish.
In France: #2,436 for boys in 2025.
Famous people named Hans
- Hans Christian Andersen (1805–1875)Danish writer and poet
- Hans Zimmer (born 1957)German film composer
- Hans Christian Ørsted (1777–1851)Danish physicist and chemist
From Wikidata and Wikipedia
Good to know
- Prince Hans, the villain of Disney's Frozen (2013) who schemes to usurp the throne of Arendelle
Keep exploring
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