Hank
Hank is a boy name of English/Dutch origin meaning “Ruler of the home”, pronounced HANK. It ranked #413 in the United States in 2025, given to 776 babies, and peaked at #413 in 2025. Common nicknames: Hanky.
How popular is Hank in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Hank mean, and where does it come from?
Hank began life as a pet form of Henry, likely filtered through the Dutch nickname Henk or Hankin, a medieval diminutive of Johannes or Henry. It shares Henry's Germanic roots in "heim" (home) and "ric" (ruler), giving it the same underlying meaning of "ruler of the home." Long used only as an informal nickname, Hank has increasingly been chosen as a standalone given name, prized for its short, plainspoken, folksy charm reminiscent of mid-century America. Its association with baseball legend Hank Aaron and country pioneer Hank Williams lends it an air of homegrown American character.
How is Hank used around the world?
Hank is used in 1 languages worldwide, with 2+ international variants.
TypeMale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Hank?
Famous People Named Hank
- Hank Aaron — American Hall of Fame baseball player
- Hank Williams — American singer-songwriter and country music pioneer
- Hank Azaria — American actor and voice artist
Similar Names to Hank
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Sibling Name Ideas for Hank
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Hank mean?
Hank is a boy name of English/Dutch origin meaning "Ruler of the home." Hank began life as a pet form of Henry, likely filtered through the Dutch nickname Henk or Hankin, a medieval diminutive of Johannes or Henry. It shares Henry's Germanic roots in "heim" (home) and "ric" (ruler), giving it the same underlying meaning of "ruler of the home.
How do you pronounce Hank?
Hank is pronounced HANK. Common variations include Henk, Hankin, Hanke.
Is Hank a boy name?
Yes, Hank is traditionally a boy name. Popular nicknames include Hanky.