Hero

“Greek” — Associated with bravery and strength

Greek origin · Unisex name

♂ 72% boys♀ 28% girls

#2157US 2023

67Births / yr

↓Falling

651All-time births

📅 Since 200000

How to pronounce Hero

HIR·oh

/ˈhɪr.oʊ/ · stress on HIR · 2 syllables

“Greek”

Associated with bravery and strength · Greek origin

What does Hero mean and where does it come from?

The name Hero has its origins in ancient Greece, where it was borne by a character in mythology known for her passionate love story with Leander. The name is often associated with bravery and strength. In more modern contexts, it has been adopted in English-speaking countries, occasionally as a uniq

Cultural significance

Hero has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Greek-speaking communities, where it reflects values of greek.

Peak popularity

Reached #5935 in 2016 — currently #2157 in the US.

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How else can you spell Hero?

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

Hiro

Spelling variant

What middle names flow best with Hero?

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

Hero Grace

How popular is Hero right now?

Declining — down 15 spots — currently #2157 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 2000–2023#2157 · Top 1.6%

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#2157	67	▼ down 15 · -3% births
2022	#2142	69	▼ down 57 · -1% births
2021	#2085	70	▲ up 7158 · +536% births
2020	#9243	11	▲ up 40 · -8% births
2015	#9283	12	▲ up 6822 · +100% births
2010	#16105	6	▼ down 4454 · -33% births
2005	#11651	9	▲ up 107 · +13% births
2000	#11758	8	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Hero

Best Year2021Rank #2085

Peak Count70

Average Rank#8053

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range2000 - 20238 years

The story of Hero

Hero is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 2000. With 651 total births recorded, Hero remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #11758 in 2000 to #2157 in 2023. Hero is used for both genders: 28% female and 72% male.

Names that peaked alongside Hero in 2016:

Emma Olivia Ava Sophia Isabella

Hero by decade

Hero peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →

Decade	Births
2000s	124
2010s ★	459
2020s	68

💎Hero has only 651 total recorded births since 2000 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Hero?

Common

HerHerieHery

Famous people named Hero

Hero (ancient philosopher)

Hero bore this name in classical Greece, where it was associated with wisdom and learning.

Hero (Byzantine leader)

Hero used this name through the Byzantine Empire, preserving its Greek heritage into the medieval era.

Hero (modern Greek athlete)

Hero brought this name to international sporting recognition representing Greece.

Hero (ancient philosopher)

Hero bore this name in classical Greece, where it was associated with wisdom and learning.

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Celebrity Names

What celebrities named their babies in 2025

Explore →

What names sound and feel like Hero?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Hero also consider these

Herro

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Heero

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Herto

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Yero

African · Subtitle or one

Gero

Germanic · spear rule

Vero

Spain · true

Dero

American · A modern name

Nero

Ancient Rome · Nero

Common questions about the name Hero

What does the name Hero mean?

Hero means "Greek" — 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 Hero?

Hero is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Hero have increased significantly in recent years.

What is the cultural origin of Hero?

Hero 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 Hero?

Hero is a two-syllable name pronounced HH IH1 R OW0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Hero trending right now?

Hero is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.