Meaning: It refers to someone who lived near a "Hain" (a grove, wood, or thicket) or a "Hügel" (a hill).
Possible variations: The surname may also be spelled as Haenell, Haenle, or Hännel.
Note: While the meaning is generally understood, the specific location where the first bearer of the name lived near a grove or hill is usually unknown without further genealogical research.