Why are the Montreal Canadiens called the Habs?

Answer 1

The early French settlers, or inhabitants, of Quebec were referred to in French as Habitants. In the early years of the Canadiens the letter "H" inside the big "C" on their jerseys was often mistakenly taken by many to mean "Habitants" as a salute to the first French Canadian settlers. Therefore, the Canadiens were often referred to, and still are, as Habitants or simply "the Habs". The "C" and "H" on the sweaters simply mean Canadiens Hockey Club.

Answer 2

When the first French settlers arrived in Quebec city in 1608, they then moved on the Montreal (other known as Hochelaga in that time) in 1623. They then were called the Habitants, meaning the settlers. The Montreal Canadiens adopted this name and grew accustomed to the nickname Habs. The H on the inside of the C on their jerseys represents this nickname.

Answer 3

It has to be with the city of Montreal in some way.