[name_m]Just[/name_m] came across this name today. [name_m]Hannes[/name_m] is a diminutive of [name_m]Johannes[/name_m]. I really like it, but am thinking it could be problematic in the U.S. Would the average American see [name_m]Hannes[/name_m] and pronounce it correctly? Thoughts?
I see “[name_m]Hanes[/name_m]” like the underwear so I think that would be problematic. You might have to change the spelling if you want it to be pronounced correctly in the US.
As you can tell from my signature, I love that name (I have one very similar on my list)! I would know how to pronounce [name_m]Hannes[/name_m] because it’s a family name, but on average in the US, [name_m]German[/name_m]/Scandinavian names are still a bit unfamiliar. I wouldn’t let that discourage you though - with the flexibility of naming today, a lot of parents are using names that are a bit more difficult to pronounce and so your child wouldn’t be singled out. I went to school with a lot of kids with Chinese and Arabic names, and people rarely got their names right the first time. [name_m]Even[/name_m] people with common names have them mispronounced - I know I’ve seen people stumble over names like [name_u]Chelsea[/name_u], [name_f]Joanne[/name_f], [name_f]Elena[/name_f], and [name_u]Brett[/name_u].
If you’re still worried, you can consider [name_m]Hans[/name_m] as a nice alternative. It’s probably easier to pronounce than [name_m]Hannes[/name_m], but very similar.
Overall, I think this is a name that will become more familiar. I know that [name_m]Johan[/name_m] (which is very similar) is in the top 500 now and rose by 90 spots from 2015 to 2016 - it’s fast rising.
Best of luck!
@silkypumpkin - I was worried about [name_m]Hanes[/name_m]! Thanks for your comment!
@ccmrath - I love your naming style!! 
My husband loves [name_m]Hans[/name_m], and I have never really gotten on board but I love [name_m]Hannes[/name_m] and [name_m]Johannes[/name_m]. I think probably just using [name_m]Johannes[/name_m] and using the nickname [name_m]Hannes[/name_m] would be the easiest. Thanks so much for your thoughts!