Chana

♀ Girl

Pronounced KHAH-nah /ˈxɑː.nə/High

Meaning: Hebrew form of Hannah, from Channah meaning grace, favor, or God has been gracious to me; used in Jewish communities as the traditional Hebrew spelling in contrast to the anglicized HannahHigh

In 30 seconds: The authentic Hebrew spelling of Hannah meaning grace, Chana is the traditional form used in Jewish communities, carrying the full weight of the biblical mother of the prophet Samuel.

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Origin HighHebrew

MeaningHebrew form of Hannah, from Channah meaning grace, favor, or God has been gracious to me; used in Jewish communities as the traditional Hebrew spelling in contrast to the anglicized Hannah

U.S. rank (2025)#686 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births413 girls (0.02% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2024

Total births (all-time)≈ 13,916

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Chana is the Hebrew spelling of Hannah, from the Hebrew Channah, meaning grace or God has been gracious. In the Bible, Hannah was the mother of the prophet Samuel. Her story of fervent prayer for a child, answered by the birth of Samuel whom she dedicated to God's service, is one of the most moving narratives in the Hebrew Bible.

In traditional Jewish communities — both Ashkenazi and Sephardi — the name is used in its Hebrew form Chana rather than the anglicized Hannah. In the United States, Chana appears primarily within Orthodox and traditional Jewish families. Outside those communities, Hannah is the dominant spelling. Both share identical meaning and deep biblical resonance.

Did you know? In the Hebrew Bible, Chana (Hannah) is one of the most powerful portrayals of a woman in prayer — her moving petition to God for a child and her subsequent hymn of praise (the Song of Hannah in 1 Samuel 2) is considered a model of devotional prayer in both Jewish and Christian traditions.

Overall data confidence 97%

Behind the Name — Chana — etymologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

HannahHanaChanah

Nicknames

Chan

Famous Bearers

★Chana (Hannah) (biblical)
Biblical mother of the prophet Samuel, model of devoted prayer in the Hebrew Bible.

If you like Chana…

Hannah— direct anglicized equivalent sharing the same root and meaning

Miriam— shares the biblical Hebrew matriarch tradition and the same traditional Jewish usage

Rivka— another Hebrew form (of Rebecca) used in traditional Jewish communities alongside Chana

Leah— shares the biblical matriarch heritage and the same traditional Jewish feminine name character

Frequently Asked

What does the name Chana mean?

Chana means grace or God has been gracious, from Hebrew Channah. It is the same name as Hannah with the original Hebrew spelling.

How do you pronounce Chana?

In Hebrew it is said KHAH-nah /ˈxɑː.nə/ — two syllables with the guttural Hebrew ch, stress on the first. Some anglicize to HAH-nah.

Is Chana the same as Hannah?

Yes — Chana is the traditional Hebrew spelling of Hannah. Both mean grace and share the same biblical roots.

Who uses the name Chana?

Chana is used primarily in Orthodox and traditional Jewish communities as the authentic Hebrew form of Hannah.