← All names

Hanan

Girl name · 3 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Hanan: 3 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 3 births in 2019.

Hanan is a name with rich dual roots, primarily from Arabic where it means “compassion” or “tenderness,” and from Hebrew where it signifies “grace” or “favour.” Notable bearers include the celebrated Palestinian politician and scholar Hanan Ashrawi, as well as the acclaimed Lebanese novelist Hanan al-Shaykh. While no major places are directly named after a Hanan, the Hebrew root appears in many biblical figures, including the Hanan mentioned in the Book of Nehemiah. Interestingly, Hanan is unisex; it is given to both boys and girls across different cultures, though in Scotland it remains a rare but meaningful choice, often chosen by families with Middle Eastern heritage or those drawn to its gentle, lyrical sound.