Hank

What does the baby name Hank mean? Learn about what Hank means, its history & origin, popularity in our random name database, pronunciation, similar names, nicknames & spelling variations.

Hank - Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity

Spelling of Hank: H-A-N-K, is a 4-letter male given name.
Pronunciation of Hank: HANGK; hank
Meaning of Hank: Ruler of the estate, ruler of the home, god is merciful, god is gracious.
Origin of Hank: The name 'Hank' is believed to have originated as a diminutive form of the name Henry. Henry, in turn, has Germanic roots and is derived from the Old High German name 'Heinrich', which means 'home ruler' or 'ruler of the household'. The earliest known use of the name 'Hank' can be traced back to the United States in the early 19th century, where it gained popularity as a nickname for individuals named Henry.; American Names; British Names; Canadian Names; English Names; Hebrew Names; Old English Names; Pet Names
Similar Names, Nicknames, & Spelling Variations of Hank: Arrigo; Eanruig; Endrickas; Enric; Enrico; Enrikos; Enrique; Enskys; Enzio; Ezio; Hal; Harry; Heike; Heindrick; Heiner; Heinrich; Heinrick; Heinz; Hendrick; Hendriks; Henerick; Henning; Henri; Henrik; Henrikus; Henrique; Henry; Henryk; Hinrich
Popularity of Hank: Over time, the name 'Hank' has experienced fluctuations in popularity. In the early 20th century, it reached its peak, ranking among the top 200 names for boys in the United States. However, in recent decades, its usage has declined, and it is now considered less common. Despite this, 'Hank' continues to maintain a certain level of charm and appeal, especially among those who appreciate its simplicity and timeless quality.; Hank currently has 111 likes, and is in the top 4% of liked boy's names. The name Tiger is slightly more popular than Hank.

Etymology of Hank

Etymologically speaking, the name 'Hank' can be seen as a diminutive form of Henry. The name Henry, as mentioned earlier, has Germanic roots and is composed of two elements 'hein' meaning 'home' or 'household', and 'ric' meaning 'ruler' or 'king'. When combined, these elements give us the meaning 'home ruler' or 'ruler of the household'. The name 'Hank', therefore, can be seen as a shortened version of this powerful and regal name.

Cultural Significance of Hank

While the name 'Hank' does not have any specific cultural or historical significance, it has become synonymous with certain archetypes and personas. In American culture, for example, 'Hank' is often associated with a rugged and down-to-earth persona, evoking images of hardworking individuals with a strong sense of integrity. This association has been perpetuated through various forms of media, such as literature, film, and television, where characters named 'Hank' often embody these qualities.