Chana
CHA-nuh
Chana is a Hebrew name, the direct Hebrew form of Hannah, from channah meaning “grace” or “favor.” It is pronounced differently from Hannah in Hebrew—with a guttural initial ch (as in the Scottish loch)—but shares the identical meaning and biblical
origin.
In the Hebrew Bible, Hannah (Chana) was the mother of the prophet Samuel. Her story in 1 Samuel is one of the most poignant narratives in scripture: a childless woman who prayed fervently at the Temple and was granted a son.
What the name Chana means
Chana is at its all-time US peak: No. 673 in 2024 with 427 births. Its rise reflects growing preference among Jewish families for authentic Hebrew forms over anglicized versions.
The name is standard in Ashkenazi Jewish communities, where it is often pronounced KHAH-nah. In Sephardic traditions the same name may appear as Hana or Hanna.
Two syllables—KHAH-nah—with the initial guttural. In American English the name is often softened to CHAH-nah, losing the pharyngeal fricative but retaining the name’s visual identity.
Parents choosing Chana over Hannah want the original Hebrew spelling, signaling Jewish cultural identity while using a name with centuries of devotional weight.
Related forms include Hannah (English), Anna (Greek/Latin), Ann (English), and Anicka (Czech)—all downstream from the same Hebrew root.
US popularity over time
Numerology and symbolism
Based on Pythagorean numerology — a traditional system linking name letters to numbers. Presented for cultural interest.
Famous people named Chana
Chana - similar names
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