There are many boy names that start with H to choose for the baby boy you’re expecting. With origins ranging from English and Norse to Hindi and Spanish, you can head in any direction to find them.
Our fascinating list of H names for boys is organized to a tee so that you can focus your efforts on the best choice. Learn about their origins and meanings, plus how famous the names are and how to pronounce them. Find your little one’s without haste right here and now!
100 Powerful Male Names That Start with H
Honor the history of boy names that start with H for the baby boy you love best.
Haakon
Haakon means “high son” and is made up of “há,” meaning “chosen,” and “konr,” meaning “descendant.” Haakon also means “of the highest race” or “exalted son” and was the name of over ten rulers of Norway.
- Origin: Scandinavian
- Meaning: Noble
- Pronunciation: HHAA-Kehn
- Variations: Håkon
- Namesakes: Haakon Lie, a party secretary for the Norwegian Labor Party from 1945 to 1969.
- Popularity: Haakon is very rare worldwide and mostly used in Norway, where it ranked 446th in 2014.
Habib
Habib means “darling” or “most loved.” It’s often used in North Africa, especially in Tunisia and Syria. Habib is used in the Muslim term Habibullah, meaning “beloved of Allah”- ideal for your little treasure on the way.
- Origin: Arabic
- Meaning: Beloved
- Pronunciation: HHaa-BIYB
- Variations: Habeeb
- Namesakes: Habib Habibou, a Central African footballer for Paris Saint Germain. Habib Mohebian (known as Habib), an Iranian musician and one of the founders of Iranian rock music.
- Popularity: Habib ranked 844th worldwide and is mainly used in Pakistan, ranking 79th in 2014.
Hadrian
Hadian is one of the most famous boy names that start with H, going back to the Roman Hadrianus. It was sometimes used for someone “from Hadria,” in Italy, or “of the Adriatic.” The Roman emperor Hadrian is most known for Hadrian’s Wall, which is located in northern England.
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning: Dark-haired
- Pronunciation: HHEY-driy-Ahn
- Variations: Adrian
- Popularity: Hadrian is very rare worldwide and primarily used in Brazil.
Hagan
Hagan is loaded with meaning, including “youthful,” “exalted son,” and “shelter.” As a surname, it’s associated with the Irish Hogan. Hagan means “protector” in Old English as well.
- Origin: Scandinavian, Gaelic
- Meaning: Little fire
- Pronunciation: HAA-Gaen
- Variations: Haggan, Hagen
- Namesakes: Hagan Bayley, a British scientist and the co-founder of Oxford Nanopore Technologies Ltd. Hagan Beggs, a Northern Irish-Canadian actor known for the series Danger Bay.
- Popularity: Hagan is very rare worldwide and mostly used in Ghana, where it’s slightly uncommon.
Hagrid
Though Hagrid stems from the Old English “hagridden,” meaning “worried,” it has another meaning. Hagrid is the surname of Harry Potter character Rubeus Hagrid, the groundskeeper at Hogwarts.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Worried
- Pronunciation: HAAH-Grihd
- Popularity: Hagrid is extremely rare worldwide and mainly used in China and Israel.
Haig
Haig comes from the Armenian “hay,” once used to denote an Armenian person. It’s more commonly a surname inspired by the forefather of the Armenian people; Haig also means “enclosed with hedges” in Old English.
- Origin: Armenian, English
- Meaning: Legend, giant
- Pronunciation: HEYG
- Variations: Haeg, Hayg
- Namesakes: Haig Sare, an Australian rugby union player with Biarritz Olympique. Haig Tiriakian, an Ottoman-Armenian politician and member of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation.
- Popularity: Haig is very rare worldwide and primarily used in the U.S.
Hakan
In Turkey, Hakan is based on the royal title “khagan,” meaning “great king” and “emperor.” It’s also a Native American name meaning “fiery,” and when it appears as Håkon, it means “exalted one” in Scandinavia.
- Origin: Turkish
- Meaning: Supreme ruler
- Pronunciation: HHAA-Kaen
- Variations: Haakon, Haken, Hakin, Hakon, Hakyn
- Namesakes: Hakan Demirel, a Turkish basketball player for İstanbul BB. Hakan Utangaç, a Turkish musician and guitarist of the heavy metal band Mezarkabul.
- Popularity: Hakan is uncommon worldwide and mostly used in Turkey, ranking 31st in 2014.
Hal
Hal started as a nickname for Henry, Harry, and Harold. It was used for Henry IV in Shakespeare’s play of the same name. Hal ranked in the top 1,000 U.S. names, peaking at 305th in 1956.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Army ruler
- Pronunciation: HHAEL
- Variations: Hael
- Namesakes: Hal Ashby, an American film director best known for Harold and Maude (1971). Harold “Hal” Porter, an Australian writer of The Watcher on the Cast Iron Balcony (1963).
- Popularity: Hal is rare worldwide and mainly used in the U.S.
Halloran
Halloran refers to the “male descendant of a pirate or stranger from overseas.” It’s a shorter English version of the Gaelic surname Ó’Allmhuráin. The Gaelic “allmhurach” means “foreigner,” which helped bring this unusual name into being.
- Origin: Irish
- Meaning: Foreigner
- Pronunciation: HAL-oh-RAN
- Popularity: Halloran is extremely rare worldwide and primarily used in Northern Ireland, ranking 1,568th in 2014.
Hallow
Hallow derives from the Old English “hālgian,” meaning “to sanctify” and “make holy.” It’s why we call Halloween All Hallow’s Eve, and is the spookiest among male names that start with H.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Sacred, holy
- Pronunciation: HAA-Low
- Popularity: Hallow is extremely rare worldwide, with only 19 known occurrences in 2014, mostly in Nigeria.
Halston
Halston was first an English and German surname for people from a location called Halston. When used as a German surname, it means “dweller in the woods,” so it may be perfect for your woodland babe.
- Origin: English, German
- Meaning: Holy stone
- Pronunciation: HHAOL-Stahn
- Variations: Halsten
- Namesakes: Roy Halston Frowick (known as Halston), an American fashion designer appearing in photographs from Studio 54.
- Popularity: Halston is very rare worldwide and mainly used in the U.S.
Hamilton
Hamilton means “flat-topped hill” and first appeared as the Old English “hamel dūn.” English and Scottish noble families use Hamilton, so it brings a posh element as a given name.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Treeless hill
- Pronunciation: HHAEM-ihl-Tahn
- Variations: Hamelten, Hameltun, Hamiltun
- Namesakes: Hamilton Morris, an American journalist known for the TV series Hamilton’s Pharmacopeia. Hamilton Sabot, a French gymnast and bronze medalist at the 2012 Summer Olympics.
- Popularity: Hamilton is rare worldwide, primarily used in Brazil, and ranked 312th in Angola in 2014.
Hamish
Hamish is based on Sheumais, a Gaelic version of James. It goes back to the Hebrew “Iakobos,” meaning “God protects” and also means ”holder of the heel.” Hamish is simply another way to say Seamus or Sheumais for boys.
- Origin: Scottish, Hebrew
- Meaning: Supplanter
- Pronunciation: HHEY-Mihsh
- Variations: Haemish, Haimish, Haymish
- Namesakes: Hamish McAlpine, a Scottish footballer for Dundee United. Hamish Pepper, a New Zealand sailor who competed at the 2012 Summer Olympics.
- Popularity: Hamish is rare worldwide and mostly used in New Zealand, where it ranked 171st in 2014.
Hammond
Hammond is a unique version of a German name meaning “home protector.” It’s also associated with the Norse Hamundr, similarly meaning “high protection.”
- Origin: English, German
- Meaning: Mountain home
- Pronunciation: HHAEM-ihnd
- Variations: Hammund, Hamond, Hamund, Hamynd
- Namesakes: Hammond Innes, a British writer whose 1973 novel Golden Soak was made into a TV series in 1979.
- Popularity: Hammond is very rare worldwide and mainly used in Ghana, ranking 1,297th in 2014.
Hammurabi
Hammurabi is made up of “ammu,” meaning “paternal kinsman,” and “rāpi,” meaning “healer.” The Akkadian Hammu-rapi also means “uncle is a healer” and originated with Hammurabi, the 6th king of Babylon.
- Origin: Arabic
- Meaning: Kinsmen is a healer
- Pronunciation: HAA-muw-RAA-biy
- Popularity: Hammurabi is very rare worldwide and primarily used in Mexico.
Hamza
Hamza means “lion” and “steadfast” as well. It was the name of the prophet Muhammad’s uncle Hamza ibn Abd al-Muttalib. The open-hand Hamsa symbol represents protection for Muslims worldwide.
- Origin: Arabic
- Meaning: Strong
- Pronunciation: HHAEM-zah
- Variations: Hamsah, Hamzah
- Namesakes: Hamza Demir, a Swedish member of the Riksdag between 2017 and 2018. Hamza Yassin, a British TV presenter on the children’s channel CBeebies.
- Popularity: Hamza ranked 745th worldwide, is primarily used in Nigeria, and ranked 27th in Morocco in 2014.
Hank
Hank is an old-fashioned American diminutive of Henry or Harry. It’s also been linked to the medieval Hankin, a nickname meaning “little John.” Hank has bad boy written all over it, but it is a vintage choice for H-letter names.
- Origin: American, German
- Meaning: Home ruler
- Pronunciation: HHAENGK
- Variations: Hanke
- Namesakes: Henry Azaria, an American actor known for multiple voiced characters in The Simpsons (1989 to present). Hank Williams, an American musician best known for “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry.”
- Popularity: Hank is rare worldwide and mainly used in the U.S., where it ranked 325th for boys in 2023.
Hannibal
Hannibal is a powerful example of old H names for boys dating back to Phoenicia. It involves Baal, the god of fertility and fortune but is best known for the ancient Carthaginian general Hannibal.
- Origin: Phoenician
- Meaning: Grace of Baal
- Pronunciation: HHAEN-ih-Bahl
- Variations: Hanibal, Haniball, Hannybal
- Namesakes: Hannibal Buress, an American comedian appearing in Adult Swim’s The Eric Andre Show from 2012 to 2020. Hannibal Price, a secretary at the Haitian Legation from 1911 to 1913.
- Popularity: Hannibal is very rare worldwide and primarily used in the Philippines.
Hans
Hans is a basic nickname for Johannes. It goes back to the Hebrew Yehohanan but is used in Germanic, Dutch, and Scandinavian countries today.
- Origin: German, Scandinavian
- Meaning: God is gracious
- Pronunciation: HHAANS
- Variations: Hanz
- Namesakes: Hans Hartz, a German singer, and frontman for the band Tornados. Hans Christian Andersen, a Danish author best known for his fairy tales.
- Popularity: Hans ranked 433rd worldwide, is mostly used in Germany, and ranked 2nd in Switzerland in 2014.
Hansel
Hansel also means “little Hans,” as a diminutive of Hans, which is itself short for Johannes. It’s best remembered as the male character from Hansel and Gretel and would make a fun middle name.
- Origin: German, Scandinavian
- Meaning: God is gracious
- Pronunciation: HHAEN-Sahl
- Variations: Hansal, Hansl
- Namesakes: Hansel Izquierdo, a Cuban baseball player for the Florida Marlins. Hansel Zapata, a Colombian footballer for Aluminium Arak.
- Popularity: Hansel is rare worldwide, mainly used in the U.S., and ranked 1,008th in the Dominican Republic in 2014.
Hanzo
Hanzo is composed of the Japanese “han,” meaning “half,” and “zō,” meaning “to hide.” It’s famously associated with the 16th-century samurai Hattori Hanzou, but Hanzo the Razor is a character in Japanese Chanbara films.
- Origin: Japanese
- Meaning: Half
- Pronunciation: HAAN-zoh
- Popularity: Hanzo is very rare worldwide and primarily used in Japan.
Hardy
Hardy means “bold” and comes from the Middle English “hardi” and the German “hard,” both meaning “brave.” Hardy is best associated with author Thomas Hardy, but it makes a nerdy choice for little guys who love The Hardy Boys.
- Origin: English, German
- Meaning: Enduring
- Pronunciation: HAAR-Diy
- Variations: Harde, Hardee, Hardey, Hardi
- Namesakes: Hardy Åström, a Swedish ice hockey player for the New York Rangers. Hardy Williams, an American member of the Pennsylvania State Senate from 1983 to 1998.
- Popularity: Hardy is rare worldwide, mostly used in Germany, and ranked 430th in Denmark in 2014.
Harlem
Harlem was inspired by the Dutch city of Haarlem and also means “home on a wooded hill.” Harlem is most famously the New York City neighborhood known for its Black-American culture, from food and art to music.
- Origin: Dutch
- Meaning: Sandy ridge
- Pronunciation: HHAAR-Lehm
- Variations: Harlim
- Namesakes: Harlem Désir, the French Secretary of State for European Affairs from 2014 to 2017.
- Popularity: Harlem is very rare worldwide and mainly used in the Philippines.
Harley
Harley is made up of the Old English “hara,” meaning “hare,” and “leah,” meaning “meadow.” It’s remained in the top 1,000 American girls’ names since the 1800s but is just as cute for boys.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Hare meadow
- Pronunciation: HHAAR-Liy
- Variations: Harli, Harlie, Harly
- Namesakes: Harley Windsor, an Australian pair skater, and the 2017 Junior World Champion. Harley Peyton, an American TV producer, and writer for Twin Peaks.
- Popularity: Harley is rare worldwide and primarily used in the U.S., ranking 425th for boys in 2014.
Harlow
Harlow is a surname and place name meaning “rock hill,” but also referred to as the “dweller by the deer hill.” Harlow is more popular for girls named after Jean Harlow when it ranked 238th in the U.S. in 2021.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Army hill
- Pronunciation: HAAR-Low
- Variations: Harlo, Harlowe
- Popularity: Harlow is very rare worldwide and mostly used in the U.S., where it ranked 1,800th for boys in 2021.
Harold
Harold derives from the Old English Hereweald, composed of “here,” meaning “host,” and “weald,” meaning “power.” It may be associated with the Old Norse Harivald, sometimes spelled Harald today.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Army rule
- Pronunciation: HAA-Rowld
- Variations: Harald
- Namesakes: Harold Ramis, an American actor and the head writer of the series SCTV. Harold Wilson, the Prime Minister of the UK from 1964 to 1970 and from 1974 to 1976.
- Popularity: Harold ranked 1,327th worldwide and is mainly used in the U.S.
Harper
Harper was an Old English term for a harp player. It arose in the Middle Ages when noblemen employed musicians in their homes to entertain guests.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Harp player
- Pronunciation: HHAAR-Per
- Variations: Harpar, Harpor, Harpur, Harpyr
- Namesakes: Harper LeBel, an American football player for the Chicago Bears. Harper Goff, an American artist, and planner for Disney theme parks.
- Popularity: Harper is very rare worldwide, primarily used in the U.S., and ranked 1,206th in Northern Cyprus in 2014.
Harrison
Harrison likewise means “son of Henry” since both Harry and Henry were synonymous. It’s as old as the 14th-century and is a popular “H” surname in England, ranking 42nd. Harrison also means “son of the ruler” (whose name may be Henry.)
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Son of Harry
- Pronunciation: HEHR-ih-Sahn
- Variations: Harrisson, Harryson, Harrysson
- Namesakes: Harrison Ford, an American actor and recipient of the AFI Life Achievement Award in 2000. Harrison L. Rhodes, an American stock car racing driver who competed in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
- Popularity: Harrison is rare worldwide, mostly used in Kenya, and ranked 120th for boys in the U.S. in 2021.
Harry
Harry was first the Medieval form of Henry, and sometimes Harold. It’s also connected to the German Heimerich, made up of “heim,” meaning “home,” and “ric,” meaning “ruler.”
- Origin: English, German
- Meaning: Home ruler
- Pronunciation: HHAA-Riy
- Variations: Harray, Harrey, Harri, Harrie
- Namesakes: Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, the younger son of King Charles III and Diana, Princess of Wales. Harry Kane, an English footballer and captain of the England national team.
- Popularity: Harry ranked 1,149th worldwide and is mainly used in the U.S., where it ranked 721st for boys in 2021.
Harte
Harte means “strong” and “brave” in Old English. It refers to a “red stag” and may have also influenced the surnames Hartley and Harhar. Harte is one of the many boy names with H that began as a surname.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Stag
- Pronunciation: HAART
- Variations: Hart
- Popularity: Harte is very rare worldwide and primarily used in the U.S.
Harvey
Harvey originated in the Breton language as Haerviu and grew into the French Herve. It’s made up of “hoiarn,” meaning “iron,” and “viu,” meaning “blazing,” for little boys who strike while the iron is hot.
- Origin: Celtic, French
- Meaning: Battle worthy
- Pronunciation: HAAR-Viy
- Variations: Harvee, Harvi, Harvie, Harvy
- Namesakes: Harvey Fierstein, an American actor appearing in the theater show Torch Song Trilogy. Harvey Keitel, an American actor known for appearing in films by director Martin Scorsese.
- Popularity: Harvey is rare and mostly used in the U.S., ranking 589th for boys in 2018.
Hassan
Hassan means “pious” and “wise” and also comes from the Arabic root “h-s-n,” meaning “good-looking.” Other versions mean “benefactor,” while Hassan has ranked in the top 1,000 U.S. boy’s names since 1971.
- Origin: Arabic
- Meaning: Handsome
- Pronunciation: Haa-SAEN
- Variations: Hasan
- Namesakes: Hassan Chaitou, a Lebanese footballer for the Lebanon national team. Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, the president of Somalia since 2022.
- Popularity: Hassan ranked 60th worldwide, is mainly used in Iran, and ranked 5th in Syria in 2014.
Hastings
Hastings was the Anglo-Norman Hasten, based on Hastings in Sussex, home of the Battle of Hastings. It also derives from the Old English Hǣstingas, meaning “people of Hǣsta,” which goes back even further.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Son of the austere man
- Pronunciation: HHEY-Ztihngz
- Variations: Hastyngs
- Namesakes: Hastings Lees-Smith, the British President of the Board of Education, in 1931. Hastings Banda, was Malawi’s prime minister and president from 1964 to 1994.
- Popularity: Hastings is rare worldwide and primarily used in Malawi, where it ranked 186th in 2014.
Hattak
Hattak has the least information available for guy names that start with H. It’s a Hindu-based name meaning “golden” and doesn’t appear to be used much, but it can adorn your golden boy.
- Origin: Indian, Sanskrit
- Meaning: Gold
- Pronunciation: HAAH-tak
- Popularity: Hattak is extremely rare worldwide, with just 21 known occurrences in 2014, mostly in Indonesia.
Havilah
Havilah also refers to a “stretch of gold,” “a bundle of,” and even “the one that experiences great pain and brings forth.” It’s a place name in the Old Testament and refers to towns in California and Australia today.
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning: Stretch of sand
- Pronunciation: HAEV-ih-Lah
- Variations: Havila, Havilla, Havillah
- Popularity: Havilah is very rare worldwide and mainly used in the U.S.
Hawaii
Hawaii is one of the only names for boys that start with H, referring to a U.S. state. It comes from Hawaiʻiloa, the founder of the island(s). Hawaii is thought to be connected to the Polynesian Sawaiki, meaning “homeland” – ideal for your little boy (or girl) that loves home.
- Origin: Polynesian
- Meaning: Homeland
- Pronunciation: Haah-WAEY-iy
- Popularity: Hawaii is very rare worldwide, primarily used in Afghanistan, and ranked 1,554th in Maldives in 2014.
Hawes
Hawes comes from the Middle English “hauls,” meaning “neck of land between hills” and “mountain pass.” It also has German origins as the girl’s name Hadewidis, composed of “hathu,” meaning “battle,” and “vid,” meaning “wide.”
- Origin: English, German
- Meaning: Hedged area
- Pronunciation: HAOZ
- Popularity: Hawes is extremely rare worldwide, with 57 known occurrences in 2014, mostly in the U.S.
Hawk
Though the literal word for a hawk, it also refers to a falcon. Hawk goes back in Old English to mean a “dweller in the nook or corner.” Hawk may be associated with the medieval Hafoc – a nickname meaning “hawk.”
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Bird of prey
- Pronunciation: HHAOK
- Variations: Hauk, Hawke
- Namesakes: Howard “Hawk” Koch Jr., an American film producer and once president of the Producers Guild of America. Robert “Hawk” Taylor, an American baseball player for the Milwaukee Braves.
- Popularity: Hawk is very rare worldwide and mainly used in the U.S.
Hayden
Hayden was first an Old English surname made up of “heg,” meaning “hay” and “denu,” meaning “valley.” It also means “heathen” and “fire” in German and “from the hedged in the valley.” Hayden is also associated with the Gaelic Aidan, meaning “fire.”
- Origin: English, German
- Meaning: Hayfield
- Pronunciation: HHEY-Dehn
- Variations: Haden, Hadyn, Haeden, Haydn
- Namesakes: Hayden Moss, the American winner of the reality TV show Big Brother 12. Hayden Paddon, a New Zealand rally driver and winner of the 2021 New Zealand Rally Championship.
- Popularity: Hayden is rare worldwide and primarily used in the U.S., ranking 36th for boys in 2020.
Hayes
Hayes’ Irish origins include the original surname “O’Aodha,” meaning “descendant of Aed,” a pagan Irish god. It’s less commonly included among boy names with H and has never cracked the top 1,000 in the U.S.
- Origin: English, Irish
- Meaning: Hedged in area
- Pronunciation: HEYZ
- Variations: Haiz, Hays, Hayse, Hayz
- Popularity: Hayes is rare worldwide and mostly used in the U.S., ranking 229th for boys in 2021.
Hazaiah
In the Bible, Hazaiah was the great-grandfather of Maaseiah, who re-peopled Jerusalem during the Babylonian exile. It also means “seen the Lord” and is as ancient as they come.
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning: God decides
- Pronunciation: Hah-ZAEY-ah
- Variations: Hazarah
- Popularity: Hazaiah is extremely rare worldwide, with just six known occurrences in 2014, mainly in the U.S.
Haze
Haze can be a Dutch name based on Hase, meaning “hare.” When taken from the Old English “hæsel,” it means “hazelnut tree” – perfect for a nature-loving aesthetic.
- Origin: German, Dutch
- Meaning: Hare
- Pronunciation: HHEYZ
- Variations: Hayse, Hais, Haize
- Namesakes: Haze (born Harikrish Ramachandran), a Malaysian singer-songwriter known for the single “Changes.”
- Popularity: Haze is very rare worldwide and primarily used in the U.S.
Heath
Heath is a strong one-syllable nickname for Heathcliff and means “someone who lived at, on, or by, a moor or heath.” Though super popular in Australia because of actor Heath Ledger, it also ranked 936th for U.S. boy’s names in 2018.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Land of heather and grass
- Pronunciation: HEETH
- Variations: Heathe, Heeth, Heethe, Heith
- Namesakes: Heath Ledger, an Australian actor known for The Dark Knight (2008). Heath Ramsay, an Australian swimmer who competed at the 2000 Summer Olympics.
- Popularity: Heath is rare worldwide, mostly used in the U.S., and ranked 500th in Australia in 2014.
Hector
Hector means “hold fast” and is the name of a Trojan hero in Greek mythology, best known for his bravery. It’s become common in many Latin American countries with an added roll of the “r” when pronouncing it.
- Origin: Spanish, Greek
- Meaning: Steadfast
- Pronunciation: HHEHK-Tahr
- Variations: Hektor
- Namesakes: Hector Munro, a Scottish officer and the ninth Commander-in-Chief of Bengal from 1764 to 1765. Hector de Saint-Denys Garneau, a French-Canadian poet and part of the 1950s Quebec literary renaissance.
- Popularity: Hector ranked 240th worldwide, is mainly used in Mexico, and ranked 8th in Puerto Rico in 2014.
Heddwyn
Heddwyn means “holy peace” and comes from the Welsh “hedd,” meaning “peace,” and “gwyn,” meaning “white” or “fair.” The words of this 7-letter name change, but the tranquil meaning remains the same.
- Origin: Welsh
- Meaning: Fair peace
- Pronunciation: HHEHTH-Wihn
- Variations: Heddwin, Heddwynn, Hedwen, Hedwyn
- Popularity: Heddwyn is extremely rare worldwide and primarily used in Wales, ranking 1,627th in 2014.
Heike
Though sometimes used for boys, Heike was traditionally a girl’s name and the feminine equivalent of Heinrich. It’s made up of “heim,” meaning “home,” and “ric,” meaning “ruler.” Heike more often appears for boys as Heiko.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Home ruler
- Pronunciation: HHAY-Kah
- Namesakes: Heike Kamerlingh Onnes, a Dutch physicist and winner of the 1913 Nobel Prize in Physics.
- Popularity: Heike is uncommon worldwide and mostly used in Germany, where it ranked 45th in 2014.
Heinz
Heinz is composed of the Old German “hagan,” meaning “enclosure,” and “rihhi,” meaning “powerful.” It’s also a variation of Hans, meaning “God’s grace” in Hebrew, and is a diminutive of Heinrich.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Home ruler
- Pronunciation: HHAEYNZ
- Variations: Hines
- Namesakes: Heinz Kühn, the 5th German Minister President of North Rhine-Westphalia between 1966 and 1978. Heinz Steinberger, an Austrian ice speed skater who competed at the 1984 Winter Olympics.
- Popularity: Heinz ranked 971st worldwide and is mainly used in Germany, ranking 11th in 2014.
Helge
Helg derives from the Old Norse Helgi, based on “heilagr,” meaning “holy” and “blessed.” In Norse mythology, Hel is a Goddess of the dead – an odd journey to Helge’s “happy” meaning.
- Origin: Norse
- Meaning: Happy
- Pronunciation: HHEHL-Geh
- Variations: Helg
- Namesakes: Helge Skoog, a Swedish actor appearing on the TV series Teatersport. Helge Dohrmann, a member of the Danish Parliament from 1973 to 1989.
- Popularity: Helge is rare worldwide and primarily used in Norway, where it ranked 57th in 2014.
Helgi
Helgi also means “productive” and “happy” in Old Norse. Its female equivalent is Helga, while the Slavic male version is Oleg. Helgi Hundingsbane is a legendary hero in Norse sagas.
- Origin: Icelandic
- Meaning: Successful
- Pronunciation: HHEHL-Giy
- Variations: Helge
- Namesakes: Helgi Hjörvar, an Icelandic President of the Nordic Council in 2010.
- Popularity: Helgi is very rare worldwide and mostly used in Iceland, ranking 25th in 2014.
Helios
Helios, the ancient Greek god of the sun, traveled across the sky in a horse-drawn chariot. Helios is the opposite of Selene, the Greek moon goddess.
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: Sun
- Pronunciation: HHIY-liy-Ows
- Variations: Helio
- Popularity: Helios is very rare worldwide, mainly used in Mexico, and ranked 1,577th in Uruguay in 2014.
Helmut
Helmut is composed of the German “helm,” meaning “helmet,” and “muot,” meaning “spirit” or “courage.” It also means “healthy battle” and is one of many male names that start with H with German origins.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Protector
- Pronunciation: HHEHL-Muwt
- Variations: Hellmut, Helmuth, Hellmuth
- Namesakes: Helmut Newton (born Helmut Neustädter), a German-Australian photographer with work appearing in Vogue. Helmut Berger, an Austrian actor known for the film Ludwig (1973).
- Popularity: Helmut ranked 1,001st worldwide and is primarily used in Germany, where it ranked 15th in 2014.
Hendrik
Hendrik is made up of the German “hagan,” meaning “enclosure,” and “rihhi,” meaning “mighty.” It’s yet another Dutch and Scandinavian version of the name Henry that’s still very much used today.
- Origin: German, Dutch
- Meaning: Home ruler
- Pronunciation: HHEHN-Drihk
- Variations: Hendrick
- Namesakes: Hendrik Simons, a Dutch schlager singer whose song “Mama” was a gold record. Hendrikus “Hendrik” Colijn, the Prime Minister of the Netherlands from 1925 to 1926 and from 1933 to 1939.
- Popularity: Hendrik is uncommon worldwide and mainly used in South Africa, ranking 33rd in 2014.
Hendrix
Hendrix stems from the German and Dutch given name Hendrik, meaning “estate ruler.” It’s one of many versions of Henry but is most associated as a surname for the American guitarist Jimi Hendrix.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Estate ruler
- Pronunciation: HEHN-driks
- Variations: Hendricks
- Popularity: Hendrix is rare worldwide, primarily used in Zambia, and ranked 593rd for boys in the U.S. in 2020.
Henry
Henry started as the Old German Heimeric and was the spoken version of Henry in medieval England. Several royals were named Henry, including multiple King Henrys of England.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Home ruler
- Pronunciation: HHEHN-Riy
- Variations: Henri
- Namesakes: Henry Wallace, the 33rd vice president of the U.S. from 1941 to 1945. Henry Winkler, an American actor best known for the series Happy Days.
- Popularity: Henry ranked 296th worldwide and is primarily used in the U.S., where it ranked 19th for boys in 2023.
Henson
Henson first referred to a “son of Henry” or “the son of Heyn.” The medieval Hen was a nickname for Henry and Hendry. As a surname, Henson ranked 728th in the U.S. in 2010.
- Origin: German, English
- Meaning: Son of Henry
- Pronunciation: HHEHN-Sahn
- Variations: Hensen, Hensun
- Namesakes: Henson Cargill, an American country music singer known for “Skip a Rope” (1968). Henson Moore, a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Louisiana between 1975 to 1987.
- Popularity: Henson is rare worldwide and mostly used in Singapore, ranking 431st in 2014.
Herb
Herb is a beloved old-school nickname for Herbert. In German, it also meant “army” and “bright” when it was introduced to Britain during the Norman Conquest.
- Origin: German, English
- Meaning: Illustrious warrior
- Pronunciation: HHERB
- Namesakes: Herb Caen, an American humorist with a daily column in the San Francisco Chronicle. Herb Rich, an American football player for the New York Giants.
- Popularity: Herb is rare worldwide, mainly used in the U.S., and ranked 981st in Canada in 2014.
Herbsaint
Herbsaint is the New Orleans-based brand name for a liquor that imitates absinthe. It’s existed as a product since 1934, but there are no popularity statistics for Herbsaint among H names for boys.
- Origin: American, English
- Meaning: Sacred herb
- Pronunciation: HHERB-saynt
Hercules
Hercules is composed of the Greek “heros,” meaning “hero” or “warrior,” and “kleos,” meaning “glory.” In Greek mythology, Hercules was the son of Zeus, known for his superhuman strength.
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: Hera’s glory
- Pronunciation: HHEHR-kuh-Liyz
- Variations: Heracles, Herckules, Herkules
- Namesakes: Hercules Mulligan, an Irish-American spy during the American Revolutionary War. Hercules Kyvelos, a Canadian boxer and the 2000 Canadian Welterweight Champion.
- Popularity: Hercules is rare worldwide and primarily used in Brazil, where it ranked 1,592nd in 2014.
Herman
Herman comes from the Old German Hariman, meaning “man of war.” It’s as old as the 8th-century, yet it was most popular in the U.S. between 1880 and 1914.
- Origin: German
- Meaning: Soldier, warrior
- Pronunciation: HHEHR-Mahn
- Variations: Hermen, Hermin, Hermon, Hermun
- Namesakes: Herman J. Mankiewicz, an American screenwriter who co-wrote the screenplay for Citizen Kane (1941). Herman Vanspringel, a Belgian road racing cyclist who took second place in the 1968 Tour de France.
- Popularity: Herman ranked 1,504th worldwide and is mostly used in Indonesia, ranking 51st in 2014.
Hermes
Hermes is based on the Greek “herma,” meaning “pile of stones” and “boundary marker.” Hermes was a Greek god symbolizing speed and good luck. He’s associated with Mercury and was light-footed enough to be a “messenger for the gods.”
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: Messenger
- Pronunciation: HEHR-Miyz
- Variations: Hermys
- Namesakes: Hermes Lima, the Prime Minister of Brazil from 1952 to 1963. Hermes Gamonal, a Chilean tennis player who played in the 2003 French Open.
- Popularity: Hermes is rare worldwide and mainly used in Colombia, where it ranked 256th in 2014.
Hero
Hero means “brave one of the people” and is based on the Greek mythological Hero. She was female, as was the hero character in Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing, but it’s used for boys and girls.
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: Brave defender
- Pronunciation: HHIY-Row
- Variations: Heroe, Herow, Herowe
- Namesakes: Hero Brinkman, a Dutch member of parliament from 2006 to 2012. Hero Fiennes Tiffin, an English actor appearing in the After film series.
- Popularity: Hero is rare worldwide, primarily used in Pakistan, and ranked 1,644th in Iraq in 2014.
Herod
Herod is made up of the Greek “heros,” meaning “warrior,” and “oides,” meaning “ode.” It’s best known for Herod the Great, the 1st-century King of Judea.
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: Song of the hero
- Pronunciation: HHEHR-ahd
- Namesakes: Herod I, a Roman-Jewish king of Judea at the time of Christ.
- Popularity: Herod is very rare worldwide and mostly used in Zimbabwe.
Herschel
Herschel is the Yiddish form of the Hebrew Tzvi, meaning “stag.” The stag is the symbol of the Israelite Naphtali Tribe. It’s a nickname for Hirsh and is a surname famous for William Herschel, an 18th-century astronomer.
- Origin: Yiddish
- Meaning: Deer
- Pronunciation: HHER-Shahl
- Variations: Herschell, Herschelle, Hershel
- Namesakes: Herschel Sims, an American football player for the ACU Wildcats. Herschel Weingrod, an American screenwriter known for Trading Places.
- Popularity: Herschel is rare worldwide and mainly used in the U.S., where it’s slightly uncommon.
Heston
Heston was first used as a surname for a person “from Heston,” a London suburb. It’s made up of the Old English “hes,” meaning “brushwood,” and “tun,” meaning “enclosure.”
- Origin: English
- Meaning: From Heston
- Pronunciation: HEHS-ton
- Variations: Hestin
- Namesakes: Heston Blumenthal, a British celebrity chef appearing on Channel 4. Heston Kjerstad, an American baseball player for the Baltimore Orioles.
- Popularity: Heston is very rare worldwide and primarily used in Malawi, ranking 1,452nd in 2014.
Hewitt
Hewitt means “descendant of Hugh” in Irish and “one who lives near the wood clearing.” It’s connected to the Old French surname Hewett, meaning “intellect,” for the most majestic of guy names that start with H.
- Origin: Irish, French
- Meaning: Son of Hugh
- Pronunciation: HHYUW-iht
- Variations: Hewet, Hewett, Hewit
- Namesakes: Hewitt Bouanchaud, the 29th lieutenant governor of Louisiana from 1920 to 1924. Hewitt Crane, an American engineer known for developing a pen-input computing device.
- Popularity: Hewitt is very rare worldwide and mostly used in the U.S.
Hiawatha
Hiawatha is an Iroquois name meaning “he who combs.” It was the name of a Mohawk or Onondaga leader and a founder of the Iroquois Confederacy.
- Origin: Native American
- Meaning: He makes rivers
- Pronunciation: Haey-ah-WAA-Thah
- Variations: Hiawathah, Hiwatha, Hyawatha
- Namesakes: Hiawatha Bray, an American technology columnist for The Boston Globe. Hiawatha Estes, an American architect known for designs of post-war ranch homes.
- Popularity: Hiawatha is very rare worldwide and mainly used in the U.S.
Hideki
Hideki has many meanings in Japanese, such as “trees” and “precious.” It can also mean “chronicle,” “brightness,” and even “timber trees” for an earthy finish.
- Origin: Japanese
- Meaning: Excellence
- Pronunciation: HHIY-deh-Kiy
- Variations: Hadeki
- Namesakes: Hideki Hamaguchi, a Japanese basketball player who competed at the 1976 Summer Olympics. Hideki Tojo, the prime minister of Japan during World War II.
- Popularity: Hideki is rare worldwide and primarily used in Japan, where it ranked 177th in 2014.
Hieronymus
Hieronymus was first the Greek Hierōnymos, made up of “hieros,” meaning “sacred,” and “onyma,” meaning “name.” It’s a variation of Jerome and was used by many saints, including Saint Jerome.
- Origin: Italian, Greek
- Meaning: Sacred name
- Pronunciation: Haey-RAH-nih-Mahs
- Namesakes: Hieronymus Bosch (born Jheronimus van Aken), a Dutch/Netherlandish painter best known for The Garden of Earthly Delights. Hieronymus Praetorius, a German composer in the late Renaissance.
- Popularity: Hieronymus is very rare worldwide and mostly used in Germany.
Hilary
Hilary comes from the Latin “hilarius,” meaning “cheerful” and “merry.” In the original Greek, it also means “propitious” and “gracious,” and it is still often used in Wales today.
- Origin: Greek, Latin
- Meaning: Happy
- Pronunciation: HHIH-laa-Riy
- Variations: Hillary
- Namesakes: Hilary R, W. Johnson, the 11th president of Liberia from 1884 to 1892. Hilary Skarżyński, a Polish ice hockey player who competed at the 1956 Winter Olympics.
- Popularity: Hilary is rare worldwide, mainly used in England, and ranked 243rd in Wales in 2014.
Hiro
Hiro means everything from “abundant” and “tolerant” to “prosperous” in Japanese. It’s also a lesser-known Spanish and Greek boy’s nickname for Chairo and Jerome.
- Origin: Japanese
- Meaning: Generous
- Pronunciation: HHIY-Row
- Variations: Hyro
- Namesakes: Hiro Saito, a Japanese wrestler and the first AJPW World Junior Heavyweight Champion in 1986. Hiro Murai, a Japanese-American filmmaker with music videos for Queens of the Stone Age.
- Popularity: Hiro is rare worldwide, primarily used in India, and ranked 202nd in French Polynesia in 2014.
Hodor
Hodor represents an anomaly among names for boys that start with H. It was created by George R.R. Martin and used in the Game of Thrones TV series. Some think Hodor is a unique way of using the alphabet to mean “hold the door.” Others believe it’s inspired by the Norse god Höðr.
- Origin: Unknown
- Meaning: Unknown
- Pronunciation: HHOWD-ohr
- Popularity: Hodor is extremely rare worldwide, with 83 known occurrences in 2014, mostly in Indonesia.
Hogan
In Gaelic, Hogan means “descendant of the young warrior.” It’s taken from the Irish surname “O Hogain,” meaning “descendent of Ógán,” who was the original warrior in the family.
- Origin: Irish, Gaelic
- Meaning: Youth
- Pronunciation: HHOW-Gahn
- Variations: Hogen, Hogun, Hogyn
- Namesakes: Hogan Ephraim, an English footballer for National League South Whitehawk. Hogan Sheffer, an American screenwriter for DreamWorks.
- Popularity: Hogan is very rare worldwide and mainly used in the U.S.
Hōhepa
Hōhepa is the Maori form of Joseph. The Hōhepa community was founded in 1957 and is more mystical than any boy names that start with H.
- Origin: Maori
- Meaning: He will enlarge
- Pronunciation: How-HHEH-pah
- Namesakes: Hōhepa Te Umuroa, a Maori New Zealand political prisoner whose story is told in The Trowenna Sea.
- Popularity: Hōhepa is extremely rare worldwide, with 90 known occurrences in 2014, primarily in New Zealand.
Holden
Holden was first a surname based in Australia, meaning “deep valley.” The most famous namesake is the fictional Holden Caulfield of J.D. Salinger’s Catcher in the Rye.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: From the hollow in the valley
- Pronunciation: HHOWL-Dehn
- Variations: Holdin, Holdun, Holdyn
- Namesakes: Holden Bowler, an American businessman who inspired Holden Caulfield in J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye. Holden Roberto, an Angolan politician who founded the National Liberation Front of Angola from 1962 to 1999.
- Popularity: Holden is very rare worldwide and mostly used in the U.S., where it ranked 236th for boys in 2021.
Hollis
Hollis is taken from the Old English “holegn,” meaning “holly tree.” It may refer to the “dweller at the holly trees.” Holly trees were often symbols of fertility.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Holly tree
- Pronunciation: HHAAL-ihs
- Variations: Hollice, Holliss, Hollyce, Hollys
- Namesakes: Hollis Frampton, an American avant-garde filmmaker of Lemon (1969). Hollis Thompson, an American basketball player for the Sacramento Kings.
- Popularity: Hollis is rare worldwide and mainly used in the U.S.
Hollister
Hollister also means “dweller by the holly tree.” It’s a fancy English surname for a family from Gloucestershire, England.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Holly tree
- Pronunciation: HHAA-lih-Ster
- Variations: Hollistir, Hollistor, Hollistur, Hollistar
- Popularity: Hollister is very rare worldwide and primarily used in the U.S.
Holt
Holt was an English surname for someone who lived “near a holt or small wood.” It’s also associated with the German Hölter based on locations named Holter. Holter means “hunter” in French and is a modern one-syllable choice for boys.
- Origin: English, German
- Meaning: Son of the unspoiled forests
- Pronunciation: HHOWLT
- Variations: Holte
- Namesakes: Holt McCallany (born Holt McAloney), an American actor best known for the series Mindhunter (2017 to 2019).
- Popularity: Holt is very rare worldwide and mostly used in the U.S.
Homer
Homer first appeared as the Greek Homêros. It’s most famous for the Greek poet Homer, who wrote The Iliad and The Odyssey. We may best know it for the comedic cartoon Homer Simpson today.
- Origin: Greek
- Meaning: Security, pledge
- Pronunciation: HHOW-Mahr
- Variations: Hohmer
- Namesakes: Homer Sykes, a Canadian-British documentary photographer known for the book Once a Year: Some Traditional British Customs. Homer Hulbert, an American journalist and advocate for the independence of Korea.
- Popularity: Homer is rare worldwide and mainly used in the U.S.
Hong
Hong means “rainbow,” “enlarge,” and “great” in Mandarin. As a surname, Hong dates to between 2300 BC and 2201 BC, during the period of the Gonggongshi clan in China.
- Origin: Chinese
- Meaning: Water, flood
- Pronunciation: HHAONG
- Popularity: Hong ranked 33rd worldwide and is primarily used in China, ranking 8th in 2014.
Honorius
Honorius means “honor,” “esteem,” and “dignity.” It was the name of an early Roman emperor and several popes throughout history.
- Origin: Latin
- Meaning: Honored one
- Pronunciation: Ahn-AOR-iy-Ahs
- Variations: Honoré
- Namesakes: Saint Honorius of Amiens, the seventh bishop of Amiens, with a feast day on May 16.
- Popularity: Honorius is very rare worldwide and mostly used in Indonesia.
Hooper
Hooper is an Old English surname for someone who helped build barrels by making a hoop for them. It’s famous as a nickname taken from a character’s last name Hooper in Jaws.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Hoop maker
- Pronunciation: HHUW-Per
- Variations: Hoopar, Hoopir, Hoopor, Hoopur
- Popularity: Hooper is very rare worldwide and mainly used in the U.S.
Hopper
Hopper also means “dancer” or “hop grower.” It’s even a Welsh surname meaning “son of Robert.” Hopper’s most literal definition is simply “one who hops.”
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Leaper
- Pronunciation: HHAA-Per
- Popularity: Hopper is very rare worldwide and primarily used in the U.S.
Horace
Horace was first the ancient Roman Horatius, meaning “time” or “season.” The original version’s namesake was first the Roman poet Quintus Horatius Flaccus, who lived in the 1st-century.
- Origin: English, Latin
- Meaning: Timekeeper
- Pronunciation: HHOWR-Ahs
- Variations: Horus
- Namesakes: Horace Mann Towner, the American governor of Puerto Rico from 1923 to 1929.
- Popularity: Horace is rare worldwide, mostly used in the U.S., and ranked 141st in Jamaica in 2014.
Hosea
Hosea comes from the Hebrew Yehoshua, meaning “God is salvation.” It also means “he saves” and “’he helps,” as the name of a biblical prophet.
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning: Salvation
- Pronunciation: HHow-ZEY-ah
- Namesakes: Hosea Rosenberg, an American chef and winner of the 5th season of Top Chef: New York. Hosea Chanchez, an American actor known for the sitcom The Game.
- Popularity: Hosea is rare worldwide, mainly used in Tanzania, and ranked 257th in Namibia in 2014.
Howard
Howard means “high guardian” and “brave heart.” It can also refer to a “hog warden” or “chief guardian” based on the Old German Huguard. Howard peaked at 24th for U.S. boys between 1919 and 1920 but left the top 100 in 1959.
- Origin: English, German
- Meaning: Noble watchman
- Pronunciation: HHAUW-erd
- Variations: Howerd
- Namesakes: Howard Shore, a Canadian composer who created The Lord of the Rings film score. Howard Hughes, an American filmmaker and pioneer in aviation and aerospace travel.
- Popularity: Howard is uncommon worldwide and primarily used in the U.S., where it’s slightly uncommon.
Howell
Howell first appeared as a surname in Wales and Brittany in the 9th- and 10th-centuries. It’s inspired by the Welsh King Hywel Dda, known as “Howel the Good.” It comes from Welsh names, such as Hywel and Higuel.
- Origin: Welsh
- Meaning: Eminent, remarkable
- Pronunciation: HHAW-ehl
- Variations: Howel, Howil, Howill, Howyll
- Namesakes: Howell Davies, a Welsh rugby union footballer for Pontypool RFC. Howell Raines, an American journalist and The New York Times executive editor from 2001 until 2003.
- Popularity: Howell is rare worldwide, mostly used in the U.S., and ranked 615th in 2014.
Hoyt
Hoyt comes from the Middle English “hoit,” meaning “stick.” It was an English nickname for a skinny person but also one who “lived high on a hill.”
- Origin: Norse, English
- Meaning: Spirit, soul
- Pronunciation: HHOYT
- Variations: Hoit, Hoitt, Hoyte
- Namesakes: Hoyt Axton, an American singer-songwriter known for the song “Never Been to Spain.” Hoyt Wilhelm, an American baseball player with the L.A. Dodgers inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1985.
- Popularity: Hoyt is rare worldwide and mainly used in the U.S.
Huck
Huck is most notably a cute nickname for Huckleberry, as in Huck Finn. In Germany, Hück was a geographical surname meaning “bog” and “corner.” Huck can be a pet form of Hugo but is one of the most Americana male names that start with H.
- Origin: English, Geman
- Meaning: Huckleberry fruit
- Pronunciation: HHAUHK
- Variations: Huc, Hucke
- Namesakes: Huckleberry ”Huck” Seed, an American poker player and winner of the main event of the 1996 World Series of Poker. Huck Flener, an American baseball player with the Toronto Blue Jays.
- Popularity: Huck is very rare worldwide and primarily used in China.
Hudson
Hudson also means “son of Hudd” and is a nickname for Hugh, meaning “mind” or “spirit.” It entered the top 100 U.S. boys’ names in 2015 and cracked the top 50 in 2020.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Son of Hugh
- Pronunciation: HHAHD-Sehn
- Variations: Hudsan, Hudsen, Hudsun
- Namesakes: Hudson de Souza, a Brazilian middle-distance runner and gold medalist at the South American Cross Country Championships. Hudson Stuck, a British native who co-led the first expedition to successfully climb Mount McKinley in 1913.
- Popularity: Hudson is rare worldwide and mostly used in Brazil, ranking 453rd in 2014.
Hugh
Hugh means “intellect” when taken from the Germanic “hugu,” meaning “mind.” It inspired the surname Hugues and is the English form of the Gaelic Aodh, meaning “fire.”
- Origin: English, German
- Meaning: Soul, mind
- Pronunciation: HHYUW
- Variations: Hughe, Huwe
- Namesakes: Hugh Grant, an English actor and winner of an Honorary César. Hugh McDowell, an English cellist, and member of the Electric Light Orchestra.
- Popularity: Hugh is rare worldwide, mainly used in the U.S., and ranked 746th for boys in the U.S. in 2021.
Hume
Hume may have originated from Hume Castle in Berwickshire, England. As an English surname, it also means “from the river island” and is a variation of Holmes.
- Origin: Scottish
- Meaning: From the cave
- Pronunciation: HUWM
- Namesakes: Hume Cronyn, a Canadian-American actor inducted into Canada’s Walk of Fame in 1999. Hume Horan, an American diplomat and Arabic linguist in the U.S. Foreign Service.
- Popularity: Hume is rare worldwide and primarily used in Albania, where it ranked 780th in 2014.
Humphrey
Humphrey derives from the Old English Hunfrith, made up of “hūn,” meaning “bear cub,” and “frid,” meaning “peace.” It was used by the 9th-century medieval saint in the form of Hunfrid.
- Origin: English, German
- Meaning: Peaceful warrior
- Pronunciation: HHAHM-Friy
- Variations: Humfrey, Humfry, Humphry
- Namesakes: Humphrey Wingfield, Speaker of the House of Commons of England between 1533 and 1536. Humphrey Rudge Jr., a Dutch footballer for Roda JC.
- Popularity: Humphrey is rare worldwide and mostly used in Zambia, ranking 192nd in 2014.
Hunter
Hunter means “one who pursues.” In the Middle Ages, Hunter was a surname for hunters and bird catchers in England and Scotland. It’s become more popular among H names for boys since the 1960s.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: One who hunts
- Pronunciation: HHAHNT-er
- Variations: Huntor, Huntur, Huntyr
- Namesakes: Hunter S. Thompson, an American journalist and founder of the Gonzo journalism movement. Hunter Freeman, an American soccer player for FC Cincinnati.
- Popularity: Hunter is rare worldwide, mainly used in the U.S., and ranked 86th for boys in the U.S. in 2021.
Hunu
Hunu specifically means “sunray” in Maori. It’s also a Ghanaian African name with the same meaning. Hunu may relate to Hunas, a name Indians gave to certain ancient Central Asian tribes on the Indian subcontinent.
- Origin: Maori
- Meaning: Sun
- Pronunciation: HHUW-Nuw
- Popularity: Hunu is very rare worldwide and primarily used in India.
Hutch
Hutch is one of the guy names with H with many meanings, like “bright in mind” and “understanding.” It comes from the medieval Hucche, short for Huchon. It means “son of little Hugh” and “settlement of houses,” which influenced Hutchinson and Hutton.
- Origin: English, French
- Meaning: Heart
- Pronunciation: HHUHCH
- Namesakes: Hutch Maiava, a New Zealand rugby league footballer for the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks. Hutch Harris, an American musician and lead vocalist of the rock band The Thermals.
- Popularity: Hutch is very rare worldwide and mostly used in the U.S.
Hutton
Hutton was an English surname for people from various locations called Hutton. It’s composed of the Old English “hōh,” meaning “ridge,” and “tūn,” meaning “enclosure.”
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Settlement on the bluff
- Pronunciation: HHAHT-Ahn
- Variations: Hutten, Huttun, Huttyn
- Namesakes: Hutton Gibson, an American writer, and the 1968 Jeopardy! grand champion. Hutton Webster, an American sociologist and member of the American Anthropological Association.
- Popularity: Hutton is rare worldwide and mainly used in the U.S.
Huxley
Huxley also means “outdoorsman” and was first an English geographical surname. The original Huxley family was from Cheshire, where the name may have pointed to “Hoc’s Field.”
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Hugh’s meadow
- Pronunciation: HHUKS-Liy
- Variations: Huxle, Huxlee, Huxli, Huxlie
- Popularity: Hyatt is very rare worldwide and primarily used in Sri Lanka.
Hyatt
Hyatt, like many guy names that start with H, was first a location-based surname. It derives from the Middle English “hegh,” meaning “high,” and “yate,” meaning “gate.” Hyatt is best known as a hotel company with locations across the globe.
- Origin: English
- Meaning: Lofty gate
- Pronunciation: HHAEY-aet
- Variations: Hyat, Hyatte, Hyet
- Namesakes: Hyatt von Dehn, an American founder of the Hyatt hotel chain.
- Popularity: Hyatt is very rare and mostly used in the U.S.
Hyman
Hyman was famously used by Jewish immigrants who came to America to alter the original name Chaim. It also appears as the German Heimann and Jewish Hyam. “L’Chaim” is a Yiddish expression that means “long life!”
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning: Life
- Pronunciation: HHAEY-Maen
- Variations: Hymann, Hymen
- Namesakes: Hyman Cohen, an American baseball player for the New York Yankees. Hyman Holtz, a New York labor racketeer for Jacob “Little Augie” Orgen in the 1920s.
- Popularity: Hyman is very rare worldwide, mainly used in the U.S., and ranked 1,292nd in Jamaica in 2014.
Hymie
Hymie is a nickname for Hyman, an Anglo spelling of Chaim. It means “father rejoiced” and “father’s joy,” making Hymie the most joyful of boy names with H.
- Origin: Hebrew
- Meaning: Life
- Pronunciation: HHAEY-Miy
- Variations: Hymee, Hymey, Hymy
- Namesakes: Herman “Hymie” Shertzer, an American jazz saxophonist who played with Benny Goodman. Hymie Kloner, a South African footballer for Birmingham City.
- Popularity: Hymie is very rare worldwide and primarily used in South Africa.
H Names for Boys FAQs
What Are Rare Boy Names That Start with H?
Some boy names that start with H are less common, such as Horatio and Henley. Other unusual ones, like Hezekiah, are mainly ancient names and surnames. One of the rarest is Huxton, which had only 14 known occurrences worldwide in 2014. It was used mostly in Peru, where it was still very rare.
What Is the Most Popular H Name for Boys?
Top H names for boys include Henry, Hudson, and Hunter. Henry ranked 296th worldwide and 20th in the U.S. in 2022 and 2023. It has German origins and means “home ruler,” appearing as everything from Henrik to Harry throughout history. Hudson ranked 34th for boys in the U.S. in 2021, while Hunter ranked 56th for boys in 2018.
What Are Some Cute Boy Names That Start with H?
Harry was once a nickname for Henry and can help your baby boy feel like a royal in no time. Harvey is an adorable choice if you’re going for a vintage “old man” name for your little guy. If fairy tales are your inspiration, nothing short of Hansel (as is Hansel and Gretel) will do.
