Hanh
Primarily a girl's name of Vietnamese origin with 454 recorded births. Also given to 21 boys.
Meaning & Origin
Fewer than 454 Americans have ever been named Hanh. It first appeared in SSA records in 1976 and peaked modestly at 36 births in 1982 — rare enough to be distinctive, with just enough history to feel grounded.
Hanh is not in the current top 1,000 girl names nationally, making it an uncommon choice — though your state or community may differ.
Hanh is a girl's and boy's baby name of Vietnamese origin, meaning 'moral' or 'virtuous,' with additional associations to the apricot blossom — a symbol of Tet, the Vietnamese New Year, representing hope and renewal.
Hanh is a name of quiet virtue and seasonal beauty. In Vietnam, it evokes the yellow apricot blossoms that herald the new year, connecting the name to one of the most joyful celebrations in Vietnamese culture.
EtymologyShow more
Hanh first shows up in U.S. Social Security records in 1976. First appearing in the 1970s, Hanh emerged during a period of rapid naming innovation in America, when parents increasingly created new names or adopted them from global cultures.
Its Vietnamese classification suggests a path from vietnamese linguistic traditions into American usage, though the specific route — whether through immigration, literature, or cultural exchange — would require deeper historical research.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Hanh has 28+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1976.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Avg Rank | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000s | 27 | #13727 | ▼ |
| 1990s | 127 | #8005 | ▼ |
| 1980s | 252 | #3559 | ▲ |
| 1970s | 48 | #6125 | — |
The Story of Hanh
A Millennial name
Peaking in 1982, Hanh is a Millennial-era classic. Girls named Hanh are most likely born between 1976 and 1992.
How rare is Hanh?
With fewer than 500 recorded births, Hanh is an exceptionally rare name — a one-of-a-kind choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1976, peaked in the 1980s with 252 births that decade, and has since become a rare, vintage choice.
Hanh by the numbers
- Would fill 9 school buses
- Meeting one Hanh per day would take 1.2 years
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(28 years, 1976–2003)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 7 | #12900 |
| 2002 | 5 | #16360 |
| 2001 | 5 | #16229 |
| 2000 | 10 | #9419 |
| 1999 | 5 | #15255 |
| 1998 | 8 | #10455 |
| 1997 | 9 | #9305 |
| 1996 | 11 | #7771 |
| 1995 | 9 | #9028 |
| 1994 | 13 | #6823 |
| 1993 | 15 | #6064 |
| 1992 | 17 | #5568 |
| 1991 | 17 | #5500 |
| 1990 | 23 | #4285 |
| 1989 | 21 | #4404 |
| 1988 | 25 | #3739 |
| 1987 | 25 | #3552 |
| 1986 | 24 | #3585 |
| 1985 | 22 | #3765 |
| 1984 | 29 | #3010 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Hanh as a Boy's Name
While overwhelmingly a girl's name, Hanh has also been given to 21 boys in the U.S. since 1980.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hanh a boy's or girl's name?
When was Hanh most popular?
How popular is the name Hanh?
Can Hanh be used for both boys and girls?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1976–2003