Hanninen is a Finnish surname that has rarely been used as a first name. It is a patronymic name derived from the personal name Hannu, a Finnish form of Johannes (John). The suffix “-nen” is a common Finnish name ending that typically indicates “descendant of” or “little.”

The name Hannu, from which Hanninen is derived, means “God is gracious,” reflecting its biblical origins. As a surname, Hanninen is relatively common in Finland but remains rare elsewhere.

Using Hanninen as a first name would be an extremely uncommon choice, appealing to those with Finnish heritage or those seeking a truly unique name. Its rarity as a given name could make it an intriguing option for parents wanting their child to have a distinctive identity.