Herakles

glory of Hera
Greek origin · Boy name
97% boys3% girls
#1597US 2023
10Births / yr
Stable
Top 1.2%Percentile
How to pronounce Herakles
he-ra-kles(classicalgreek),her-ə-kleez(english)
/he-ra-kles(classicalgreek),her-ə-kleez(english)/ · · 3 syllables
glory of Hera
Greek origin · Boy name

What does Herakles mean and where does it come from?

Herakles is derived from the Greek elements 'Hera' and 'kleos', meaning 'glory' or 'fame'.

Cultural significance
Herakles is a prominent figure in Greek mythology, known for his strength and heroic deeds, often associated with the Twelve Labors.
Peak popularity
Reached #1597 in 2015 — currently #1597 in the US.
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Related Reading
Greek-origin baby names with timeless appeal
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How else can you spell Herakles?

Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive

What middle names flow best with Herakles?

Herakles works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Herakles Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Herakles John
One syllable · timeless choice
Herakles Luke
One syllable · timeless choice
Herakles Beau
One syllable · on the rise
Herakles Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
Herakles Gael
One syllable · timeless choice
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Middle Names
The best middle names for Herakles
Browse ideas →

How popular is Herakles right now?

Holding steady — currently #1597 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 20192023#1597 · Top 1.2%
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
YearUS RankBirthsvs Prior Year
2023#159710stable
2022#159710stable
2021#159710stable
2020#159710stable
2019#159710
💎Herakles is exceptionally rare — it does not appear in US Social Security records, meaning fewer than 5 babies per year have received this name.

What are good nicknames for Herakles?

VARIOUS
Herk
ANCIENT GREEK
HeracleitusHerakleidesHerakleitos
GREEK MYTHOLOGY
Hera

Famous people named Herakles

Ho
Herakles of Thebes
A legendary hero in Greek mythology known for his incredible strength and adventures.
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Celebrity Names
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How is Herakles written in other languages?

‘Ηρακλης
Ancient Greek

Common questions about the name Herakles

What does the name Herakles mean?
Herakles means "glory of Hera" — a name rooted in Greek 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 Herakles?
Herakles is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Herakles?
Herakles originates from Greek tradition. Greek names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
What sibling names go well with Herakles?
Herakles pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Hebrew heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.
Is Herakles more of a girl or boy name?
Herakles is primarily used as a boy name, giving it a clear, timeless character while remaining accessible to modern families.