Hans

Hans is a German and Scandinavian short form of Johannes, itself the Latin rendering of the Greek Ioannes, which derives from the Hebrew name Yohanan meaning God is gracious. It became one of the most common masculine names in German-speaking and Nordic countries throughout the medieval and early modern periods, borne by numerous historical figures including the painter Hans Holbein and the storyteller Hans Christian Andersen. The name functions as an independent given name rather than merely a nickname in these traditions. Related forms include Johan, Jan, Johannes, and Johann.