Etymology and spelling [edit]. The name Hassan in Arabic means 'handsome', 'good' or 'benefactor'. There are two different Arabic names that are both romanized with the spelling Hassan. However, they are pronounced differently, and in Arabic script spelled differently.1  The more common name حسن Ḥasan (as in the name of the Islamic prophet, Muhammad 's grandson al-Ḥasan ibn ‘Alī) has two short vowels and a single /s/. 2  Its meaning is 'the good' or 'the handsome'.owever, they are pronounced differently, and in Arabic script spelled differently. 1  The more common name حسن Ḥasan (as in the name of the Islamic prophet, Muhammad 's grandson al-Ḥasan ibn ‘Alī) has two short vowels and a single /s/. 2  Its meaning is 'the good' or 'the handsome'.