Hannibal

The masculine first name Hannibal has its roots in Phoenician, a Semitic language, and represents the Latinized variant of the name 𐤇𐤍𐤁𐤏𐤋. In terms of meaning, the name can be interpreted as 'Baal is gracious', 'the grace of Baal', 'my favor is with Baal', or 'the lord is benevolent'.

What does the name Hannibal mean?

The name Hannibal, masculine in gender, comes from Phoenician and is the Latinized form of 𐤇𐤍𐤁𐤏𐤋. In its meaning, the name conveys concepts such as 'Baal is gracious', 'the grace of Baal', or 'the lord is benevolent'. The etymological roots are based on the Phoenician elements hann, meaning 'the grace', and ba'al, meaning 'the lord', 'the master', or also referring to the name of the god Ba'al. The latter is often used as a northwest Semitic title. Variants of the name include Annibal, Annibale (in Italian), and Anibal (in Portuguese and Spanish). The name became famous through several significant generals of ancient Carthage, particularly the one who crossed the Alps with elephants to fight against the Romans.

Where does the name Hannibal come from?

Hannibal is a masculine first name with Phoenician origins and means 'Baal is gracious'.

How do you pronounce Hannibal?

The pronunciation of Hannibal is three syllables and impressive. In the German language, the name is typically pronounced as 'HAN-ni-bal' [ˈhanibal], with the first syllable emphasized with a clear, open A. The double 'n' enhances the sound in the middle, while the ending '-bal' with the distinct 'b' forms a pronounced conclusion. These features give the name a strong, traditional presence that sounds resonant and historically profound.

Popularity

In Germany, the name Hannibal enjoys great popularity. Currently, it ranks 2,655th on the list of most common male first names. Its best placement was in 2013, when it reached 1,231st place. Over the last ten years, Hannibal has been given as a first name approximately 110 times, placing it at 2,318th in the ten-year statistics. From 2010 to 2024, it ranks 2,463rd.

Nicknames & pet names

Anniba / Ball / Balli / Hanni / Nibal

Similar first names

Famous people

• Dr. Hannibal Lector (fictional character by Thomas Harris, / psychiatrist, cannibal, and 14-time murderer)
• Hannibal (Roman soldier who fought with 37 elephants)
• Hannibal Barkas (Carthaginian general)
• Hannibal Blair (politician from the USA)
• Hannibal Buress (American author and writer)
• Hannibal Gisko (Carthaginian general and commander)
• Hannibal Goodwin (American inventor and clergyman)
• Hannibal Lafayette Godwin (American politician)
• Hannibal Lokumbe (American jazz trumpeter)
• Hannibal Marvin Peterson (American trumpeter and jazz musician)
• Hannibal Orgas (Italian conductor)
• Hannibal Penney (American actor)