Hans is a masculine name of Germanic originally derived from the Latin name Johannes, which means "God is gracious. " Hans has roots in Hebrew and German names, both meaning "Yahweh is gracious. " Over time, Hans has evolved from a diminutive form of Johannes to a name in its own right, reflecting the cultural and linguistic influences of German and Scandinavian traditions. The name has been popular in these regions since the late Middle Ages and has been transmitted to other parts of Europe and beyond. Its significance lies in its strong historical and literary associations, particularly with famous figures like Hans Christian Andersen, who contributed significantly to children's literature.
