Chanan is a Hebrew name that has been used for centuries in Jewish communities around the world. It is derived from the Hebrew word "chanan," which means "grace" or "favor." The name Chanan was often given to children as a wish for them to be blessed with grace and favor throughout their lives.
In the Bible, there are several individuals named Chanan. One of the most notable is Chanan the Ezrahite, who was a prophet mentioned in the Book of Kings. According to tradition, Chanan was known for his wisdom and his ability to interpret dreams, which contributed to his reputation as a prophet.
The name Chanan has also been used by notable figures throughout history. For example, Rabbi Chanina ben Dosa was a prominent Talmudic sage who lived in the 1st century CE. He was known for his piety and his miraculous deeds, and he is still remembered today as one of the most important figures in Jewish mysticism.
Overall, Chanan is a name with deep roots in Jewish history and culture. It is often chosen by parents who wish to honor this tradition and bestow upon their child a name that carries with it a sense of grace, favor, and wisdom.
The name Chanan has had a variable popularity over the years in the United States. It first appeared in the Social Security Administration's records in 1977 with only six births that year. After a dip in popularity between 1981 and 1989, with five births each year, it saw a resurgence in 2001, remaining stable at five births annually until 2009.
Interestingly, the name began to gain more traction from 2011 onwards. In that year, six babies were named Chanan, followed by another peak of thirteen births in 2014. Although there was a slight decrease in popularity in subsequent years (eight births in 2015 and eleven births in 2016), it remained consistent with seven births in 2017 and 2019.
Overall, from 1977 to 2019, a total of ninety-two babies were named Chanan in the United States. This demonstrates that while the name may not have been extremely popular every year, it has maintained a consistent presence among new births over the past four decades.