What does Hermes mean and where does it come from?
Hermes is traditionally a male name in Greek mythology, denoting the messenger god who was quick and cunning. However, in contemporary naming, it has been adopted for females as well, denoting swiftness and communication. Its usage in modern contexts reflects a broader trend of gender-neutral naming
Cultural significance
Hermes has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Greek-speaking communities, where it reflects values of ἑρμῆς - derived from the name of the greek messenger god.
Peak popularity
Reached #15718 in 2019 — currently #3744 in the US.
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Related Reading
Greek-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Hermes?
Hermes works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Hermes Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Hermes Rose
Floral · soft ending
Hermes Mae
Sweet · timeless
Hermes Claire
French influence · crisp
Hermes Jane
Literary · strong
Hermes Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Hermes right now?
Rising fast — up 282 spots — currently #3744 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #3744 | 30 | ▲ up 282 · +11% births |
| 2022 | #4026 | 27 | ▼ down 347 · -10% births |
| 2021 | #3679 | 30 | — |
The story of Hermes
Hermes is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 2019. With 550 total births recorded, Hermes remains relatively uncommon. Hermes is used for both genders: 1% female and 99% male.
Names that peaked alongside Hermes in 2019:
Hermes by decade
Hermes peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1920s | 6 | |
| 1950s | 6 | |
| 1960s | 47 | |
| 1970s | 40 | |
| 1980s | 104 | |
| 1990s | 104 | |
| 2000s | 101 | |
| 2010s ★ | 124 | |
| 2020s | 18 | |
💎Hermes has only 550 total recorded births since 2019 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Hermes?
Famous people named Hermes
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Hermes (ancient philosopher)
Hermes bore this name in classical Greece, where it was associated with wisdom and learning.
H(
Hermes (Greek poet or artist)
Hermes helped establish this as a name of cultural and artistic prestige in the Hellenic world.
H(
Hermes (modern Greek athlete)
Hermes brought this name to international sporting recognition representing Greece.
H(
Hermes (Byzantine leader)
Hermes used this name through the Byzantine Empire, preserving its Greek heritage into the medieval era.
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Celebrity Names
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Explore →What names sound and feel like Hermes?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Hermes also consider these
How is Hermes written in other languages?
Gender variants of Hermes
Common questions about the name Hermes
What does the name Hermes mean?
Hermes means "Ἑρμῆς - derived from the name of the Greek messenger god" — 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 Hermes?
Hermes is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Hermes have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Hermes?
Hermes 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 Hermes?
Hermes is a two-syllable name pronounced HH ER1 M IY0 Z. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Hermes trending right now?
Hermes is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.