Hannah means grace, and her story is one of grace answered. Childless and grieving, she prayed in the temple so fervently that the priest thought her drunk — but she was pouring out her soul before the LORD. God gave her Samuel, and she gave him back, lending him to the LORD as long as he liveth.
Her song of praise — my heart rejoiceth in the LORD — prefigures Mary's Magnificat centuries later. Hannah models the faith that asks boldly and gives generously.
Hannah is a beloved, top-ranked classic — sweet, graceful, and beautifully simple.
Variants & nicknames
Hanna, Ana, Anna, Chana
Hannah in the Bible
For this child I prayed; and the LORD hath given me my petition which I asked of him: