What does Hagar mean and where does it come from?
The name Hagar (הָגָר) is of Hebrew origin, found in the Old Testament as the name of Abraham's concubine and mother of Ishmael. Its meaning is 'flight' or 'to flee,' reflecting her story of fleeing from Sarah. It is traditionally popular in Hebrew-speaking communities and among individuals with Jew
Cultural significance
Hagar has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hebrew-speaking communities, where it reflects values of flight.
Peak popularity
Reached #2207 in 1905 — currently #15727 in the US.
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Related Reading
Hebrew-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Hagar?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Hagar?
Hagar works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Hagar Grace
One syllable · timeless choice
Hagar Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Hagar Claire
One syllable · timeless choice
Hagar Zoey
One syllable · vintage charm
Hagar Maeve
One syllable · timeless choice
Hagar Jade
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Hagar right now?
Falling — down 13999 spots — currently #15727 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #15727 | 5 | ▼ down 13999 · -99% births |
| 2023 | #1728 | 472 | ▲ up 5 · +4% births |
| 2022 | #1733 | 452 | ▲ up 5 · +7% births |
| 2021 | #1738 | 422 | ▲ up 14777 · +8340% births |
| 2015 | #16515 | 5 | ▼ down 5231 · -44% births |
| 2010 | #11284 | 9 | ▼ down 2708 · -18% births |
| 2000 | #8576 | 11 | ▲ up 4519 · +120% births |
| 1990 | #13095 | 5 | ▼ down 10888 |
| 1905 | #2207 | 5 | — |
The story of Hagar
Hagar entered American naming records in 1905 and has been in use for over 119 years. With 152 total births recorded, Hagar remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #2207 in 1905 to #1728 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Hagar in 1905:
Hagar by decade
Hagar peaked in the 1900s. See all 1900s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1900s | 5 | |
| 1910s | 5 | |
| 1920s | 10 | |
| 1980s | 8 | |
| 1990s | 39 | |
| 2000s ★ | 51 | |
| 2010s | 34 | |
| 2020s | 5 | |
💎Hagar has only 152 total recorded births since 1905 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Hagar?
What names sound and feel like Hagar?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Hagar also consider these
How is Hagar written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Hagar
What does the name Hagar mean?
Hagar means "flight" — a name rooted in Hebrew tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Hagar?
Hagar is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Hagar?
Hagar originates from Hebrew tradition. Hebrew names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Hagar?
Hagar is a two-syllable name pronounced HAY-gahr. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Hagar a common or rare name?
Hagar is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.