It was originally short for Johannes (John),[2] but is now also recognized as a name in its own right for official purposes.
The earliest documented usage was in 1356 in Sweden,[3] 1360 in Norway,[4] and the 14th century in Denmark.
Another diminutive with the same meaning is Hänschen (IPA: [ˈhɛnsçn̩] ⓘ), found in the German proverb was Hänschen nicht lernt, lernt Hans nimmermehr; which translates roughly as "what Hansel doesn't learn, Hans will never learn".
[citation needed] Separately derived, Hans is also a male given name meaning "swan" in the Sanskrit language families of the Indian subcontinent.
Other variants include: Han, Hawns, Hanns, Hannes, Hanse, Hansi (also female), Hansie, Hansele, Hansal, Hensal, Hanserl, Hännschen, Hennes, Hännes, Hänneschen, Henning, Henner, Honsa, Johan, Johann, Jan, Jannes, Jo, Joha, Hanselmann, Hansje.