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Hänsel is a German diminutive of Hans, which is itself a contracted form of Johannes, the Latin rendering of the Hebrew name Yohanan, meaning God is gracious. The name became widely known in German-speaking lands as a familiar, affectionate form used for boys named Hans or Johann. It gained lasting cultural prominence through the Brothers Grimm fairy tale featuring the siblings Hänsel and Gretel, published in 1812. Related forms include Hansel, Hans, Johann, and Johannes.