Hans
Hans is the German short form of Johannes (John), from the Hebrew "Yochanan" — meaning "God is gracious." Hans Christian Andersen (1805-1875), the Danish author of "The Little Mermaid" (1837) and "The Ugly Duckling" (1843), is the most famous literary bearer. Hans Holbein (c.1497-1543), the German painter of the Tudor court, gave the name artistic weight. The single syllable is direct. Hans is a male name of Germanic / Hebrew origin that means "God is gracious (German short form of John)". Brisk, German, and a little literary. The name sounds direct. Hanses tend to be thoughtful. US outside top 1000. More common in Germany. Well-known people named Hans include Hans Christian Andersen (author), Hans Holbein (painter), Hans (German form of John). Common variations and related forms of Hans include John (root name), Hannes (related), Hansi (nickname).