What does Hercules mean and where does it come from?
Hercules (Ἡρακλῆς) is of Greek origin and translates to 'glory of Hera.' Known as a hero in Greek mythology, Hercules is famous for his incredible strength and numerous adventures. The name has remained popular throughout history in various cultures, often symbolizing bravery and heroism. Hercules i
Cultural significance
Hercules has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Greek-speaking communities, where it reflects values of glory of hera.
Peak popularity
Reached #1334 in 1937 — currently #4921 in the US.
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Related Reading
Greek-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Hercules?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Hercules?
Hercules works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Hercules Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Hercules John
One syllable · timeless choice
Hercules Luke
One syllable · timeless choice
Hercules Beau
One syllable · on the rise
Hercules Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
Hercules Gael
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Hercules right now?
Rising fast — up 1681 spots — currently #4921 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #4921 | 20 | ▲ up 1681 · +54% births |
| 2024 | #6602 | 13 | ▼ down 2859 · -57% births |
| 2023 | #3743 | 30 | ▲ up 866 · +36% births |
| 2022 | #4609 | 22 | ▲ up 75 · +5% births |
| 2021 | #4684 | 21 | ▲ up 1911 · +75% births |
| 2020 | #6595 | 12 | ▼ down 1295 · -29% births |
| 2015 | #5300 | 17 | ▲ up 7018 · +240% births |
| 2010 | #12318 | 5 | ▼ down 4052 · -29% births |
| 2000 | #8266 | 7 | ▼ down 1805 · -12% births |
| 1995 | #6461 | 8 | ▲ up 1783 · +60% births |
| 1990 | #8244 | 5 | ▼ down 3224 · -29% births |
| 1980 | #5020 | 7 | ▼ down 1539 · -30% births |
| 1975 | #3481 | 10 | ▼ down 155 · +43% births |
| 1965 | #3326 | 7 | ▼ down 1492 · -65% births |
| 1960 | #1834 | 20 | — |
The story of Hercules
Hercules entered American naming records in 1908 and has been in use for over 116 years. With 1,213 total births recorded, Hercules remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #1782 in 1910, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #3743 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Hercules in 1937:
Hercules by decade
Hercules peaked in the 1930s. See all 1930s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1900s | 6 | |
| 1910s | 111 | |
| 1920s | 168 | |
| 1930s ★ | 173 | |
| 1940s | 149 | |
| 1950s | 163 | |
| 1960s | 109 | |
| 1970s | 67 | |
| 1980s | 57 | |
| 1990s | 59 | |
| 2000s | 20 | |
| 2010s | 119 | |
| 2020s | 45 | |
💎With 1,213 total births, Hercules is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Hercules?
ANCIENT GREEK
HeracleitusHerakleitos
Famous people named Hercules
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Hercules (modern Greek athlete)
Hercules brought this name to international sporting recognition representing Greece.
H(
Hercules (Greek mythological figure)
Hercules carried this name in Greek mythology, connecting it to divine or heroic tradition.
H(
Hercules (Byzantine leader)
Hercules used this name through the Byzantine Empire, preserving its Greek heritage into the medieval era.
H(
Hercules (Greek poet or artist)
Hercules helped establish this as a name of cultural and artistic prestige in the Hellenic world.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2025
Explore →What names sound and feel like Hercules?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Hercules also consider these
How is Hercules written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Hercules
What does the name Hercules mean?
Hercules 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 Hercules?
Hercules is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Hercules have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Hercules?
Hercules 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.
How do you pronounce the name Hercules?
Hercules is a three-syllable name pronounced HER-kyul-eez. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Hercules?
Hercules pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Greek heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.