Hansel is a name of German origin, derived from the word "Hansas," which means "home ruler" or "leader of the household." This name has been popular in Germany for centuries and has also been used in other parts of Europe.
The name Hansel is believed to have originated as a short form of compound names such as Johannes (John) or Hannes, both of which have German origins. It was commonly used among the lower classes during the Middle Ages but became more prevalent among the upper classes over time.
Historically, Hansel has been associated with several notable figures throughout history. One famous figure is Hansel and Gretel, a popular fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm. In the story, Hansel and his sister Gretel use breadcrumbs to find their way back home after being abandoned in the forest by their stepmother.
Today, Hansel remains a popular name in Germany and other parts of Europe. It is often associated with qualities such as leadership, strength, and intelligence. Despite its historical associations, however, it is important to note that individuals named Hansel are unique and should not be defined solely by their name or any stereotypes attached to it.
The name Hansel has a fascinating history of popularity in the United States, as indicated by the statistics provided. From 1905 to 1939, there was a steady increase in the number of births for males named Hansel, with peaks in 1915 (39 births), 1917 (44 births), and 1924 (47 births). However, after 1939, there was a significant drop in popularity, with fewer than 30 births each year until the late 1980s.
Interestingly, starting from the late 1980s, the name Hansel began to regain some popularity. There was a steady increase in the number of births for males named Hansel between 1988 and 2007, with notable peaks in 1992 (36 births) and 2007 (43 births). This trend continued into the 21st century, with even more significant peaks in recent years: 2013 (98 births), 2014 (126 births), 2021 (134 births), and 2022 (120 births).
Overall, from 1905 to 2023, there have been a total of 3428 births for males named Hansel in the United States. This information demonstrates that while the name has had periods of significant popularity followed by declines, it has maintained a consistent presence throughout history and has even experienced a resurgence in recent years.
It's important to note that these statistics only represent a snapshot of the name's popularity in the United States and do not account for any potential trends or patterns in other countries. Additionally, these figures do not include instances where Hansel may have been used as a middle name or where the spelling might have varied slightly (e.g., Hanson, Hansen).
Sources:
* Social Security Administration: https://www.ssa.gov/oact/babynames/