Rising since 1991, #686 for girls today.
Popularity of Chana since 1944
Babies named Chana per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1940s | 43 |
| 1950s | 211 |
| 1960s | 614 |
| 1970s | 1,193 |
| 1980s | 1,808 |
| 1990s | 1,790 |
| 2000s | 2,579 |
| 2010s | 3,398 |
| 2020s | 2,285 |
Meaning & origin
Chana is a Hebrew name reflecting a direct biblical lineage, borne by the mother of Samuel in the Old Testament. The name ranked 686th in 2025, with 1 in 3892 girls receiving it, marking a modest but steady increase in use since 1991. Its peak year so far was 2024, and the name is most common in New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut, reflecting strong roots in Jewish-American communities. While often overshadowed by the English form Hannah, Chana retains a distinctive Hebrew spelling that appeals to families seeking a traditional yet less common choice.
Chana is a Hebrew name derived from the root חנן (ḥ-n-n), meaning 'to show favor' or 'to be gracious.' It is a variant of Hannah, found in the Hebrew Bible as the mother of the prophet Samuel. The name has been used in Jewish communities for centuries, often given to honor the biblical figure.
Where Chana is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Chana” around the world
Where Chana lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Quebec
6
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Hanny, Chani
Sibling names for Chana
Names that share Chana's style, for a brother or sister.
Names like Chana
Names whose popularity has moved with Chana's over the last 50 years.
