English Names that Start With H

Though we usually think a name's image in contemporary culture supersedes its ancient meaning, this is a case where the definition could undermine a child's self-esteem. 

Hamill

Hewet is a masculine name with medieval English origins, functioning as a diminutive form of Hugh, which derives from the Germanic element 'hug' meaning 'heart,' 'mind,' or 'spirit.' This charming vintage name was relatively common in England during the Middle Ages but has since become quite rare. Hewet carries a distinctive old-world quality that connects to Anglo-Saxon heritage. 

If you're naming your son for an ancestral Hugh, Hewet can make an individual short form.

Hewet

Although this was the surname of rugged World War II admiral William Halsey, these days it's more closely identified with uninamed female singer-songwriter Halsey. Five baby boys were named Halsey in the US last year, along with 45 baby girls.

Halsey

Young actor Haley Joel Osment to the contrary, this name in all its variations has become too popular for girls to survive as a boys' choice. Hailey, Haily Halley, Hallie, Hayley. 

Haley

Harker sounds like an occupational name, but this surname actually derives from several English places, meaning either "male deer", "hare" or "gray marshland". It can also be used as a nickname for an eavesdropper or busybody — though a more positive interpretation is that a Harker is someone who listens well or simply has keen hearing.
 
Similar in sound to popular Harper and Ryker, Harker has been appearing sporadically in the US name stats since the mid-2010s, given on average to about five boys. 
 
In literature, Harker is the surname of Mina and Jonathan of Bram Stoker's Dracula, while Kay Harker is the hero of John Masefield's children's classic The Box of Delights.

Harker

While Haidee may sound like a variant of Heidi or Hailey, it's actually a separate name with a literary history. First appearing in Byron's epic poem Don Juan (1819), it was likely inspired by the Greek word aidoios meaning "modest, reserved". 
 
It was later used (in the form of Haydée) in The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexander Dumas in 1844.

Haidee

Sutton meets Hunter and Hudson in this contemporary sounding choice, ultimately borrowed from an English and Scottish place- and surname. Sprinkle in a little Emersyn, Londyn, and Suttyn, you've got a feminine leaning spelling that has yet to enter the stats. 

Huttyn

If Hunter just isn't full enough for you, place name Huntington might be a better option.

Huntington

While some parents are going for Truce, Haven, Peace, and Klarity, others are opting for Riot (or Ryatt), Wilder, Pistol — and now, Havoc. Given to a small number of boys each year since 2008, this name was brought into the lexicon for girls when actor Rory Culkin and cinematographer Kate Arizmendi chose it for their daughter in 2026.
 
You could view it as a violent name, associated with widespread devastation and destruction — a sibling to Thrasher, Shooter, Striker, and Ripper. Or you could see it from a more light-hearted angle, bringing to mind mischief, mayhem, fun, and chaos — a sibling to Rebel, Revel, Rocky, and Wild.

Havoc

Memorable thanks to the Robert Redford character, Hubbell Gardiner, who captivated the young Barbra Streisand in the classic movie, "The Way We Were", Hubbell is an English surname, likely derived from the French Hubaut or the German Hubald. As such, it combines the elements hugu ("mind, heart") with bald ("bold"), and can therefore be interpreted to mean, rather poetically, "brave heart", or perhaps "bold mind", making this an interesting consideration for a spirited, independent boy.
 
More likely to appear as a surname (as in, baseball player Carl Hubbell, inventor Harvey Hubbell, and ice dancer Madison Hubbell), Hubbell has never made the US stats.

Hubbell

Howel

Houghton

Sweet and southern-feeling, maybe thanks to Horton Foote, author of Tender Mercies and The Trip to Bountiful, not to mention the Dr. Seuss connection. 

Horton

 As a surname, it's most familiar as Hearst -- publishing magnate William Randolph and kidnapped granddaughter Patty. Few would use it if it wasn't their own family name. 

Hurst

English names that start with the letter H for boys and girls, including Hamill, Hewet, Halsey, Haley, Harker, Haidee, Huttyn, Huntington, Havoc, Hubbell, Howel, Houghton, Horton, and Hurst. (Page 7)