100+ Great Boy Names that start with H and their meanings

This post may contain affiliate links that allow us to earn a commission at no expense to you. Learn more

Explore over 100 unique boy names that start with H and their meanings in this comprehensive guide. Find the perfect name for your little one today!

Hey there, fellow name enthusiast! Today, we’re diving headfirst into the fascinating world of boy names that start with the letter ‘H.’ Hang onto your hats because we’ve scoured the internet, spent countless hours, and surfed more websites than you can shake a rattle at to bring you this treasure trove of over 100 unique ‘H’ names and their meanings.

Choosing a name for your little champ is a big deal, right? It’s like picking the opening track for the greatest album of their life. A name isn’t just a label; it’s a vibe, a legacy, a statement. And ‘H’ names have a unique charm – from classic to contemporary, they’ve got it all.

So, why all the fuss about unique names? Well, think about it. Your kid’s name is going to be with them through thick and thin, like a trusty guitar riff in their life’s soundtrack. It’s got to be just right.

In this epic quest, we’ve left no stone unturned, scrolled through websites with more baby names than there are stars in the sky, and talked to experts in the field to compile this list. We’ve also got the lowdown on what each name means because, let’s face it, a name should not only sound good but have a meaningful melody too.

Ready to rock the world of ‘H’ names? Let’s roll with the first batch! 🎸

3-Letter or Shorter Boy Names that start with H

1. Hal

   – Meaning: “Man of Valor”

   – Origin: Old English

   – Notable Person: Hal Holbrook, renowned American actor.

2. Hoy

   – Meaning: “High Island”

   – Origin: Scottish

   – Notable Person: Hoyt Wilhelm, legendary Major League Baseball pitcher.

3. Hux

   – Meaning: “Inspired Intelligence”

   – Origin: English

   – Notable Person: Huxley Hume, a rising star in the fashion industry.

4. Hay

   – Meaning: “Hedge Enclosure”

   – Origin: Old English

   – Notable Person: Hayden Christensen, Canadian actor (Anakin Skywalker in “Star Wars”).

5. Hap

   – Meaning: “Lucky”

   – Origin: English

   – Notable Person: Hap Day, former NHL player and Hall of Famer.

6. Hud

   – Meaning: “Mind, Spirit”

   – Origin: English

   – Notable Person: Hud Mellencamp, musician and brother of John Mellencamp.

7. Hob

   – Meaning: “Bright Heart”

   – Origin: English

   – Notable Person: Hobart Bosworth, a pioneer in American film.

8. Hue

   – Meaning: “Color”

   – Origin: English

   – Notable Person: Huey Lewis, lead singer of the band Huey Lewis and the News.

9. Has

   – Meaning: “Desire”

   – Origin: Arabic

   – Notable Person: Hasim Rahman, former heavyweight boxing champion.

10. Ham

   – Meaning: “Home”

   – Origin: English

   – Notable Person: Hamilton Jordan, former White House Chief of Staff under President Jimmy Carter.

11. Hal

   – Meaning: “Leader”

   – Origin: Scandinavian

   – Notable Person: Hal Needham, an American stuntman and film director.

12. Hum

   – Meaning: “Spirit or Essence”

   – Origin: Arabic

   – Notable Person: None widely recognized; used as a colloquial term in several cultures.

4-Letter Boy Names Starting with H

1. Hank

   – Meaning: “Ruler of the Household”

   – Origin: German

   – Notable Person: Hank Aaron, baseball legend and home run king.

2. Hugo

   – Meaning: “Mind, Intellect”

   – Origin: German

   – Notable Person: Hugo Weaving, acclaimed Australian actor (Agent Smith in “The Matrix”).

3. Hugh

   – Meaning: “Heart, Mind”

   – Origin: German

   – Notable Person: Hugh Jackman, beloved Australian actor known for his role as Wolverine in “X-Men.”

4. Hawk

   – Meaning: “Bird of Prey”

   – Origin: English

   – Notable Person: Tony Hawk, skateboarding icon and video game legend.

5. Hold

   – Meaning: “Strong, Gracious”

   – Origin: English

   – Notable Person: Holden Caulfield, fictional character in J.D. Salinger’s “The Catcher in the Rye.”

6. Hart

   – Meaning: “Stag”

   – Origin: English

   – Notable Person: Hart Crane, American poet known for his modernist poetry.

7. Hale

   – Meaning: “Healthy, Robust”

   – Origin: English

   – Notable Person: Nathan Hale, American patriot and spy during the Revolutionary War.

8. Heir

   – Meaning: “Inheritor”

   – Origin: English

   – Notable Person: Prince William, the heir to the British throne.

9. Hans

   – Meaning: “God is Gracious”

   – Origin: German

   – Notable Person: Hans Zimmer, renowned film composer.

10. Hero

    – Meaning: “Brave One”

    – Origin: Greek

    – Notable Person: Hero Fiennes-Tiffin, English actor known for his role in “After.”

11. Huck

    – Meaning: “Bright Mind”

    – Origin: English

    – Notable Person: Huckleberry Finn, fictional character in Mark Twain’s novels.

12. Holt

    – Meaning: “Forest, Woods”

    – Origin: English

    – Notable Person: Holt McCallany, American actor known for his roles in “Mindhunter” and “Lights Out.”

13. Hest

    – Meaning: “Horse”

    – Origin: Norse

    – Notable Person: None widely recognized.

14. Hedi

    – Meaning: “Guide to Righteousness”

    – Origin: Arabic

    – Notable Person: Hedi Slimane, French photographer and fashion designer.

15. Heed

    – Meaning: “Attention, Care”

    – Origin: English

    – Notable Person: None widely recognized.

16. Helm

    – Meaning: “Helmet, Protection”

    – Origin: German

    – Notable Person: Levon Helm, American musician and actor, drummer for The Band.

17. Hush

    – Meaning: “Quiet, Silent”

    – Origin: English

    – Notable Person: None widely recognized; “Hush” is also a famous Batman antagonist.

18. Herb

    – Meaning: “Bright Army”

    – Origin: German

    – Notable Person: Herb Alpert, American musician, and recording industry executive.

19. Haze

    – Meaning: “Fog, Mist”

    – Origin: English

    – Notable Person: None widely recognized; however, it can be associated with the literary term “Purple Haze.”

20. Haim

    – Meaning: “Life”

    – Origin: Hebrew

    – Notable Person: Members of the American band HAIM, though the band comprises female members.

Five-Letter Boy Names Starting with H

1. Hagan

   – Meaning: “Youthful”

   – Origin: Irish

   – Notable Person: Hagan Beggs, Canadian politician and judge.

2. Halen

   – Meaning: “Hall”

   – Origin: English

   – Notable Person: Wolfgang Amadeus Halen, fictional character in the film “School of Rock.”

3. Hayes

   – Meaning: “Hedged Area”

   – Origin: English

   – Notable Person: Rutherford B. Hayes, 19th President of the United States.

4. Hazen

   – Meaning: “Instructor”

   – Origin: German

   – Notable Person: Hazen S. Pingree, former mayor of Detroit and Governor of Michigan.

5. Harry

   – Meaning: “Army Ruler”

   – Origin: Germanic

   – Notable Person: Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex.

6. Henry

   – Meaning: “Ruler of the Household”

   – Origin: German

   – Notable Person: Henry Ford, American industrialist and founder of Ford Motor Company.

7. Hogan

   – Meaning: “Descendant of Ogán”

   – Origin: Irish

   – Notable Person: Hulk Hogan, American professional wrestler and actor.

8. Hansel

   – Meaning: “God is Gracious”

   – Origin: German

   – Notable Person: Hansel Emmanuel, Dominican basketball player with one arm.

9. Harri

   – Meaning: “Home Ruler”

   – Origin: Welsh

   – Notable Person: Harri Holkeri, former Prime Minister of Finland.

10. Hilar

    – Meaning: “Cheerful”

    – Origin: Latin

    – Notable Person: Hilarion Daza, former President of Bolivia.

11. Hamza

    – Meaning: “Lion”

    – Origin: Arabic

    – Notable Person: Hamza Yusuf, American Islamic scholar.

12. Hobbs

    – Meaning: “Bright Fame”

    – Origin: English

    – Notable Person: Hobbs Kessler, American middle-distance runner.

13. Hondo

    – Meaning: “Deep Gorge”

    – Origin: Japanese

    – Notable Person: Hondo Ohnaka, a character in the “Star Wars” universe.

14. Heiko

    – Meaning: “Ruler of the Household”

    – Origin: German

    – Notable Person: Heiko Herrlich, former German footballer and manager.

15. Helio

    – Meaning: “Sun”

    – Origin: Greek

    – Notable Person: Hélio Castroneves, Brazilian racing driver.

16. Hiram

    – Meaning: “Exalted Brother”

    – Origin: Hebrew

    – Notable Person: Hiram Rhodes Revels, first African American to serve in the U.S. Senate.

17. Hafiz

    – Meaning: “Guardian, Memorizer”

    – Origin: Arabic

    – Notable Person: Hafiz, Persian poet.

18. Haron

    – Meaning: “Mountain of Strength”

    – Origin: Hebrew

    – Notable Person: None widely recognized.

19. Homer

    – Meaning: “Promise”

    – Origin: Greek

    – Notable Person: Homer, ancient Greek poet.

20. Husni

    – Meaning: “Beauty, Excellence”

    – Origin: Arabic

    – Notable Person: None widely recognized.

21. Herve

    – Meaning: “Army Warrior”

    – Origin: German/French

    – Notable Person: Hervé Villechaize, French actor.

22. Horst

    – Meaning: “Thicket, Grove”

    – Origin: German

    – Notable Person: Horst Seehofer, German politician.

23. Huber

    – Meaning: “Bright Heart, Spirit”

    – Origin: German

    – Notable Person: None widely recognized, but it’s a common surname.

24. Hewie

    – Meaning: “Heart, Mind”

    – Origin: German

    – Notable Person: None widely recognized.

25. Hurst

    – Meaning: “Wooded Hill”

    – Origin: English

    – Notable Person: None widely recognized, but it’s a common surname.

Longer Boy Names Starting with H

1. Harrison

   – Meaning: “Son of Harry” or “Son of Henry”

   – Origin: English

   – Famous Person: Harrison Ford, American actor known for his roles in “Star Wars” and “Indiana Jones” franchises.

2. Hector

   – Meaning: “Steadfast” or “Holder of Property”

   – Origin: Greek

   – Notable Person: Hector Elizondo, American actor with a long and diverse filmography.

3. Hudson

   – Meaning: “Son of Hudde” or “Son of Hugh”

   – Origin: English

   – Famous Person: Hudson Taylor, English missionary who played a significant role in promoting Christianity in China.

4. Harris

   – Meaning: “Son of Harry” or “Son of Henry”

   – Origin: English

   – Notable Person: Neil Patrick Harris, American actor known for his roles in “How I Met Your Mother” and “Doogie Howser, M.D.”

5. Holden

   – Meaning: “Hollow Valley” or “Deep Valley”

   – Origin: English

   – Notable Person: Holden Caulfield is the iconic protagonist of J.D. Salinger’s novel “The Catcher in the Rye.”

6. Hayden

   – Meaning: “Heathen” or “From the Hedged Valley”

   – Origin: English

   – Famous Person: Hayden Christensen, Canadian actor known for playing Anakin Skywalker in the “Star Wars” prequels.

7. Hamish

   – Meaning: “Supplanter” or “He who takes the place of another”

   – Origin: Scottish

   – Notable Person: Hamish Linklater, American actor known for his work in theater and television.

8. Hendrix

   – Meaning: “Son of Henry” or “Ruler of the Household”

   – Origin: English

   – Famous Person: Jimi Hendrix, legendary American rock guitarist and singer-songwriter.

9. Hezekiah

   – Meaning: “Yahweh strengthens” or “God gives strength”

   – Origin: Hebrew

   – Notable Person: Hezekiah was a king of Judah in the Old Testament known for his religious reforms.

10. Hadrian

   – Meaning: “From Hadria” or “Dark-Haired”

   – Origin: Latin

   – Notable Person: Emperor Hadrian was a Roman ruler known for building Hadrian’s Wall in Britain.

11. Humphrey

   – Meaning: “Peaceful Warrior” or “Peaceful Home”

   – Origin: Germanic

   – Notable Person: Humphrey Bogart, iconic American actor from classic films like “Casablanca.”

12. Hamilton

   – Meaning: “Beautiful Mountain” or “From the Beautiful Mountain”

   – Origin: Scottish

   – Famous Person: Alexander Hamilton, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States and subject of the Broadway musical “Hamilton.”

13. Huckleberry

   – Meaning: “Sweet Berry” or “The Berry of the Huckle Tree”

   – Origin: American

   – Notable Reference: Huckleberry Finn is the adventurous protagonist in Mark Twain’s novel “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.”

14. Hilton

   – Meaning: “Hill Settlement” or “From the Hill Town”

   – Origin: English

   – Notable Person: Conrad Hilton, American hotelier and founder of the Hilton Hotels chain.

15. Hosea

   – Meaning: “Salvation” or “Deliverance”

   – Origin: Hebrew

   – Notable Person: Hosea Williams was a prominent civil rights activist in the United States.

16. Horatio

   – Meaning: “Man of Time” or “Hourly One”

   – Origin: Latin

   – Notable Person: Horatio Nelson, British naval hero who defeated Napoleon’s navy at the Battle of Trafalgar.

17. Havelock

   – Meaning: “Sea Battle” or “Warrior of the Sea”

   – Origin: Old Norse

   – Notable Person: Sir Henry Havelock was a British general known for his actions during the Indian Mutiny of 1857.

18. Horace

   – Meaning: “Hour” or “Time”

   – Origin: Latin

   – Notable Person: Horace, an ancient Roman poet known for works like “Odes” and “Epistles.”

19. Herschel

   – Meaning: “Deer”

   – Origin: Yiddish

   – Notable Person: Sir William Herschel, astronomer who discovered the planet Uranus.

20. Hernando

   – Meaning: “Bold Voyager”

   – Origin: Spanish

   – Notable Person: Hernando de Soto, Spanish explorer and conquistador who led the first European expedition deep into the territory of the modern-day United States.

Name Trends and Popularity

In the ever-evolving world of baby names, trends come and go, but some classics endure while others burst onto the scene in a blaze of popularity. Let’s delve into the fascinating realm of name trends and popularity to give you a glimpse of what’s been happening lately.

The Power of “H”

Names that start with the letter “H” have seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years. Parents seem to be drawn to the strong, timeless sound of names like Harrison, Hudson, and Harper. The “H” names offer a perfect blend of traditional and trendy, making them a favorite choice for modern parents.

Celebrity Influence 

It’s no secret that celebrities can have a significant impact on baby name trends. Take, for instance, the name “Huckleberry.” Made famous by Mark Twain’s adventurous character Huckleberry Finn, this quirky name has gained attention in recent years, proving that classic literature can still inspire modern parents.

Historical and Mythological Names 

Parents are increasingly turning to history and mythology for name inspiration. Names like Hector and Horatio harken back to ancient times, adding a touch of timelessness to the list of modern monikers.

Surnames as First Names 

The practice of using surnames as first names has gained traction. Names like Harrison and Hamilton fit this trend, offering a sense of sophistication and heritage to a child’s name.

Unconventional Choices 

For those looking to make a statement, unconventional choices like Hezekiah and Havelock offer a bold departure from the norm. These names bring a sense of uniqueness and individuality to the forefront, perfect for parents who want their child’s name to stand out.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a name for your child is a deeply personal and meaningful decision. It’s a name they’ll carry with them throughout their entire lives, shaping their identity and leaving an indelible mark on their story.

As you explore these “H” names with more than five letters, remember that while trends and popularity can be influential, the most important factor is what resonates with you and your family. Whether you opt for a traditional name like Harrison or a more unconventional choice like Huckleberry, the name you choose should reflect your values, aspirations, and the unique qualities you hope your child will embody.

So, take your time, do your research, and most importantly, follow your heart. After all, a name is more than just a label; it’s a gift you give to your child, a legacy that will endure for generations to come. And no matter which name you ultimately select, it will always hold a special place in your heart and in the heart of your child, your little rockstar in the making.

FAQs

Q1. What are some unique boy names that start with H and their meanings?

A1. Unique boy names starting with H include Harrison (meaning “Son of Harry”), Hector (meaning “Steadfast”), and Huckleberry (meaning “Sweet Berry”). 

Q2. Can you suggest H names with historical significance?

A2. Certainly! Names like Hamilton (meaning “Beautiful Mountain”) and Horatio (meaning “Man of Time”) have rich historical ties.

Q3. Are there any famous personalities with H names on the list?

A3. Yes, Harrison Ford, known for “Star Wars” and “Indiana Jones,” and Jimi Hendrix, the iconic guitarist, are among the notable H-named individuals.

Q4. Do you have any H names inspired by literature or mythology?

A4. Absolutely, names like Huckleberry (inspired by Mark Twain’s character) and Hector (from Greek mythology) are on the list.

Q5. Are there any H names of Scottish origin?

A5. Yes, Hamish (meaning “Supplanter”) is a Scottish name included in the list.

Q6. Can you suggest H names with unique or rare meanings?

A6. Certainly, Hezekiah (meaning “God gives strength”) and Havelock (meaning “Warrior of the Sea”) have unique and meaningful meanings.

Q7. Are there any H names that are considered trendy or modern?

A7. Names like Hudson and Harper have gained popularity in recent years, making them trendy choices.

Q8. Are there any H names that are traditional and timeless?

A8. Classic names like Harris (meaning “Son of Harry”) and Holden (meaning “Deep Valley”) offer a timeless appeal.

Q9. Can you suggest H names that can work well as middle names?

A9. Sure, names like Hadrian (meaning “From Hadria”) and Hadley (meaning “From Heather Meadow”) make excellent middle name options.

Q10. Are there any H names that are considered unconventional or unique?

A10. Yes, names like Hilton and Hosea offer unconventional and distinctive choices for those seeking something out of the ordinary.


Photo of author
Author
Shane
Shane is passionate about researching baby stuff for his baby girl. He worked for a premium brand consultancy. He runs the research on this site.