Compilation of H names

  1. Helene
    • Origin:

      French variation of Helen
    • Meaning:

      "bright, shining one"
    • Description:

      Whether it's pronounced with an "een" or an "aine" or an "enn" sound at the end, Helene doesn't feel as current the more forthright Helen or the airier Helena. Helene reached a high of Number 228 in the US in 1916, when ene, ine and een names were all the fashion, and stayed in the Top 500 until 1962, making a final exit in 1970. It still ranks well in its native France, and even more in Norway (#70). Model Heidi Klum's daughter 'Leni' has Helene on her birth certificate.
  2. Helix
    • Origin:

      English word name
    • Meaning:

      "a curve in three-dimensional space"
    • Description:

      A scientific word name that would work wonderfully as a given name, given its similarity to Felix.
  3. Hermione
    • Origin:

      Feminine version of Hermes, Greek
    • Meaning:

      "messenger, earthly"
    • Description:

      Hermione's costarring role in Harry Potter has made this previously ignored, once stodgy name suddenly viable. Hermione could really take off once today's children start having kids of their own.
  4. Hadrian
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "dark-haired"
    • Description:

      Most parents would find this old Roman name pretentious compared to the more accessible Adrian, but some history buffs just might want to commemorate the enlightened emperor.
  5. Hera
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "protectress"
    • Description:

      She was queen of the Greek gods, both sister and wife to Zeus, but the name of her Roman counterpart Juno has become much more fashionable these days. That said, we think Hera has possibilities today too, as so many ancient goddess names rise to prominence.
  6. Honora
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "woman of honor"
    • Description:

      Honora and Honoria are two ways of softening the severity of Honor, while retaining its righteous meaning. They were predominant until the Reformation, when the Puritans adopted the abstract virtue names, and were introduced to Britain by the Normans.
  7. Harbor
    • Origin:

      Word name
    • Description:

      If you like names that are not really names -- some say, the wave of the future -- Harbor has an attractive sound as well as an appealing meaning and image.
  8. Halle
    • Origin:

      Modern invented name or diminutive of Harald, English or Norse
    • Meaning:

      "Thor's stone"
    • Description:

      Until the beautiful actress Halle Berry inspired hundreds of parents to emulate her name, it was the diminutive Swedish families used for their sons christened Harald. Now, in a complete turnaround, it couldn't be more feminine. It is worth noting, however, that its popularity has fallen dramatically since 2002 when it reached a high of 316.
  9. Helios
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "sun"
    • Description:

      The name of the young Greek sun god, brother to the moon goddess Selene, who rode across the sky each day in a chariot pulled by four horses.
  10. Hestia
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "hearth, fireside"
    • Description:

      Hestia is the name of the Greek goddess of the hearth, home and chastity. Though Hestia has been long dormant as a name, it's a possibility for the parent in search of a classic name with deep roots that's also unusual. It's one of the Greek goddess namesthat's both familiar and distinctive.
  11. Heloise
    • Origin:

      French from German
    • Meaning:

      "healthy; wide"
    • Description:

      Heloise is an ancient name related to sleek, peppy classic Eloise. Both ultimately derive from the Germanic name Helewidis, which became Helewis in medieval England. In the twelfth century, the name was borne by the beloved of the French philosopher Pierre Abelard, who was considered to be one of the most learned women of the Middle Ages.
  12. Hans
    • Origin:

      German, Dutch, and Scandinavian, diminutive of Johannes
    • Description:

      Though familiar to all via such childhood icons as Hans Brinker, Hans(el) and Gretel, and Hans Christian Andersen, few Americans have chosen this name for their sons because of its intractably Old Country image.
  13. Holiday
    • Origin:

      English word name
    • Meaning:

      "holy day"
    • Description:

      A fun and confident choice, Holiday is a celebratory name, particularly associated with Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hannukah, and New Year, and with rest, leisure, and vacations more generally. Fitting for a winter baby, but totally sunny too, it comes from the Old English hāligdæg meaning "holy day" as it was originally used to mark religious festivals and celebrations.
  14. Hero
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "demi-god"
    • Description:

      Despite the possibility of gender confusion, the Hero in Greek myth was a woman. Myleene Klass got that when she chose Hero for her daughter, and Sam Taylor-Wood and Aaron Johnson used it as their daughter's middle--and we wouldn't be surprised to see more girls with this heroic name.
  15. Hadrien
    • Origin:

      French variation of Hadrian
    • Description:

      What life Hadrien and Hadrian enjoy today, they owe to Adrian along with the revival of ancient Roman names in general. Hadrian was a 2nd century Roman emperor famous for his wall.
  16. Havana
    • Origin:

      Taíno place-name
    • Description:

      Politics aside, the Cuban capital is one of the most rhythmic of place-names. The question is: can politics be put aside?
  17. Harland
    • Description:

      Harland is a masculine name of Old English origin meaning 'hare land' or 'land of the hares,' referring to an area populated by these animals. As a traditional surname that transitioned to a first name, Harland has a dignified, classic quality. It reached modest popularity in the United States during the early 20th century, partly due to the influence of industrialist Harland Sanders (better known as Colonel Sanders of KFC fame). The name conveys strength and reliability, with its solid consonants and connection to the land. While never extremely common, Harland maintains steady usage among parents drawn to vintage names with natural associations. The nickname 'Harley' offers a more casual alternative for everyday use.

  18. Harmonia
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "agreement, concord"
    • Description:

      One Greek mythological name -- she was the goddess of order -- not yet embraced by American parents.
  19. Hywel
    • Origin:

      Welsh
    • Meaning:

      "eminent"
    • Description:

      An old Welsh royal name, of which the English surname Howell is an Anglicized form.
  20. Holliday
    • Description:

      Holliday is a feminine given name derived from the English surname meaning 'one who dwells near a holy day.' Originally a surname used to identify someone who was born during a religious festival or holiday, it has transitioned into occasional use as a first name. The spelling with two 'l's adds a distinctive touch compared to the standard 'Holiday' form. This name carries a naturally festive, joyful association and conveys a sense of celebration. Though relatively uncommon as a first name, it gained some recognition through connections to the historical figure Doc Holliday. It appeals to parents seeking an uncommon name with positive, uplifting connotations.