Hanns

Hanns is a masculine given name of German origin, a variant of Hans that is derived from Johannes. The name ultimately traces back to the Hebrew name Yochanan, meaning “Yahweh is gracious.”

In German-speaking regions, Hanns has historically functioned as a standalone given name as well as a form connected to Johannes. Its usage was most prominent in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In contemporary times, the name is less common, with Hans and Hannes remaining more prevalent; Hanns is now often encountered as a form rooted in tradition or in families with historical naming patterns.

Notable individuals who bore the name include Hanns Eisler, an Austrian-born German composer known for his collaborations with Bertolt Brecht; Hanns Johst, a German poet and playwright associated with the Nazi era; Hanns Ludin, a German diplomat who served during World War II and was executed for war crimes; and Hanns Zischler, a German actor and filmmaker. The name has appeared across various fields in German-speaking contexts, reflecting its historical presence in literature, politics, and the arts.

See also references to related names such as Hans, Hannes, and Johannes, which share the same linguistic root. As a traditional German form, Hanns remains a recognizable though less common given name in modern usage.