Meaning: Its source is an Ancient Germanic expression meaning "God's protection."

In German this name is sometimes spelled with an accent -- Hänsel.

Languages: This boy's name is used in German and English.

Narrative: Its English form derives from a Germanic expression meaning ''God's protection.'' The form used by German-speaking people originated as a variation of Johannes, the German equivalent to the English name John, which means ''God's grace.''

Folklore has linked this name to Gretel, who with Hansel, outwitted a hungry witch and a wicked stepmother.