Baby Names That Start With H: 33 Girl & Boy Names With Meanings
H names have a gentle, breathy start that suits both vintage choices (Harriet, Hugo, Harold) and modern ones (Harper, Hudson, Hadley). This list gathers 33 names that start with H, with the meaning, origin and a short note on each.
Reviewed
Where an origin is uncertain, as with Helen, Homer and Howard, we say so. Names are grouped by gender and ordered roughly from classic to distinctive.
Our top picks
Girl names (15)
- HadleyEnglishheather fieldA popular surname-name.
- HallieEnglishuncertain; a pet form of Hannah or HarrietCheery and short.
- HannahHebrewgrace, favourA palindrome and a timeless classic.
- HarlowEnglisharmy hill or rocky hillGlam and stylish.
- HarperEnglishharp playerA top girls' name, literary thanks to Harper Lee.
- HarrietFrench / Germanichome rulerVintage and strong; nickname Hattie.
- HazelEnglishthe hazel treeWarm and earthy.
- HeidiGermannoble (from Adelheid)Alpine and cheerful.
- HelenGreekuncertain; sometimes read as 'torch' or 'bright'A classic of Greek legend.
- HenriettaGermanichome rulerRare and regal; nickname Hetty.
- HermioneGreekof HermesBrainy and iconic.
- HesterPersianstarA vintage variation on Esther.
- HollyEnglishthe holly treeFestive and friendly.
- HonorLatinhonour, esteemA virtue name.
- HopeEnglishhope, expectationA one-syllable virtue name.
Boy names (16)
- HamishScottishsupplanter (the Scottish form of James)Friendly and Scottish.
- HankDutch / Englishhome ruler (a pet form of Henry)Retro and warm.
- HarlanEnglishhare landRare, distinctive and rugged.
- HaroldOld Englisharmy rulerA vintage name with a firm, friendly sound.
- HarrisonEnglishson of HarryA smooth surname-name.
- HarveyBretonbattle-worthyCheerful and friendly.
- HassanArabichandsome, goodWidely used across the Muslim world.
- HeathEnglishuncultivated moorlandRugged and short.
- HectorGreekholding fastA Trojan hero's name.
- HenryGermanichome rulerA royal classic with the nickname Hank or Harry.
- HoldenEnglishhollow valleyLiterary, from 'The Catcher in the Rye'.
- HudsonEnglishson of HughA modern surname-name that is also a river.
- HughGermanicmind, spiritShort and old-fashioned.
- HugoGermanicmind, spiritElegant and European.
- HunterEnglishone who huntsA bold occupational name.
- HuxleyEnglishHugh's woodlandIntellectual and rare.
Unisex names (2)
- HaydenEnglishhay valley (uncertain)A smooth, well-known surname-name.
- HavenEnglisha safe harbourA calming word-name.
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How to choose
H names often shorten well
Henry gives Hank and Harry, Harriet gives Hattie, Henrietta gives Hetty, Hannah gives Hanna. A built-in nickname gives your child options.
Surname-names are popular
Harper, Hudson, Hadley, Harrison, Huxley and Holden began as surnames, and they pair well with a classic middle name.
The silent-h question
In some languages the 'H' is silent (Hugo in Spanish, Henri in French). If you want a particular pronunciation, check how family members will say it.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most popular baby names that start with H?
Harper, Hazel and Hannah are popular for girls, while Henry, Hudson and Harrison are popular for boys.
What are unique baby names that start with H?
Hermione, Hester, Harlan, Hector and Huxley are rarer but easy to pronounce.
What are gender-neutral baby names that start with H?
Hayden and Haven are used for any gender.
What are vintage baby names that start with H?
Harriet, Henrietta, Hester, Harold, Hugh and Hamish are vintage names worth a second look.
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