Hi Dixie,
The personal name derives thus:
Yohanan (Hebrew) --> Johannes (Latin) --> Hans (German).
The "English" equivalent is John.
See
http://genealogy.familyeducation.com/surname-origin/john?detoured=1 for a big explanation.
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It was common in the HAMILTON family, who became one of the most influential in Scotland (Dukes of Abercorn, Earls of Haddington, etc.).
The family was ultimately of Norman origins, thought to have come to Scotland via Hambleton in Yorkshire.
Hans (John) HAMILTON 1536-1608 was Vicar of Dunlop.
His son Sir James HAMILTON, the famous co-founder of Trinity College Dublin for Elizabeth I, was granted large portions of Conn O'NEILL's lands in Co. Down by King James I. He was given the title 1st Viscount Claneboye of Killyleagh and Bangor.
His brother, Archibold HAMILTON of Halcraig, came to Ireland in 1617, being granted lands including Ballyrott.
Sir James' nephew, also named James (of Neilsbrook), eventually inherited the titles.
His daughter, Ann HAMILTON married Colonel Hans STEVENSON d. 1713 (M.P. for Killyleagh 1703-1713). He hailed from Ballyrott.
etc. etc.
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The famous Sir Hans SLOANE, whose collections formed the basis of the British Museum London, was born in Killyleagh. He was given his name to "do honour" to the HAMILTONs - his father being a factor on their estates.
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The HAMILTON name is among the 40th most numerous in Scotland, thus it featured heavily in the Plantation of Ulster.
2 out of 9 of the Scottish chief undertakers, and 6 out of 50 of the Scottish undertakers, bore the surname. They were granted huge swathes of land in counties Armagh, Cavan, Fermanagh and Tyrone, bringing many of their kinsmen over.
[Many, presumably, bearing the personal name "Hans".]
Particular concentrations of HAMILTONs were located also in the Barony of Dunluce (Co. Antrim), and in Dromara Parish (Co. Down).
I know of a Hans CAMPBELL from Glenavy.
etc. etc.
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Refs:
Peerage & Landed Gentry of Ireland - Burke
Surnames of Ulster - Robert Bell
Members of the Irish Parliament - UHF
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Pip pip!
Capitain Hans
P.S. See also
http://baby-names.familyeducation.com/name-meaning/hans and
http://www.surnamedb.com/surname.aspx?name=Hans for further explanations.
Interesting to see that it was also a surname.
Presumably introduced in to Scotland from that country's extensive trade with the European ports forming the
Hanseatic League!
