What does Honor mean and where does it come from?
The name Honor derives from the Latin word 'honor', meaning 'dignity' or 'respect'. It has been used since the Middle Ages in English-speaking countries. In modern usage, it can symbolize integrity or virtue. The concept of honor has been culturally significant throughout history, often related to c
Cultural significance
Honor has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of high respect, esteem; a sense of what is right or due..
Peak popularity
Reached #1150 in 1897 — currently #1569 in the US.
🌿
Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Honor?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Honor?
Honor works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Honor Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Honor Rose
Floral · soft ending
Honor Mae
Sweet · timeless
Honor Claire
French influence · crisp
Honor Jane
Literary · strong
Honor Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Honor right now?
Declining — down 19 spots — currently #1569 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1569 | 111 | ▼ down 19 · -3% births |
| 2022 | #1550 | 115 | ▼ down 136 · -12% births |
| 2021 | #1414 | 130 | ▲ up 578 · +40% births |
| 2020 | #1992 | 93 | ▼ down 283 · -24% births |
| 2015 | #1709 | 123 | ▲ up 510 · +41% births |
| 2010 | #2219 | 87 | ▲ up 2496 · +211% births |
| 2005 | #4715 | 28 | ▼ down 1375 · -30% births |
| 2000 | #3340 | 40 | ▲ up 3328 · +208% births |
| 1995 | #6668 | 13 | ▲ up 1873 · +44% births |
| 1990 | #8541 | 9 | ▼ down 157 · +29% births |
| 1985 | #8384 | 7 | ▼ down 912 · -12% births |
| 1980 | #7472 | 8 | ▼ down 2853 · -38% births |
| 1975 | #4619 | 13 | ▲ up 837 · +44% births |
| 1970 | #5456 | 9 | ▼ down 1690 · -25% births |
| 1965 | #3766 | 12 | — |
The story of Honor
Honor has been a beloved American name for over 136 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1888. With 3,532 total births recorded, Honor remains relatively uncommon. Honor is used for both genders: 74% female and 26% male.
Names that peaked alongside Honor in 1897:
Honor by decade
Honor peaked in the 1890s. See all 1890s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 6 | |
| 1890s | 30 | |
| 1900s | 52 | |
| 1910s | 81 | |
| 1920s | 121 | |
| 1930s | 86 | |
| 1940s | 74 | |
| 1950s | 82 | |
| 1960s | 100 | |
| 1970s | 121 | |
| 1980s | 88 | |
| 1990s | 156 | |
| 2000s | 551 | |
| 2010s ★ | 1,790 | |
| 2020s | 194 | |
💎With 3,532 total births, Honor is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Honor?
What names sound and feel like Honor?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Honor also consider these
How is Honor written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Honor
What does the name Honor mean?
Honor means "High respect, esteem; a sense of what is right or due." — a name rooted in English 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 Honor?
Honor is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Honor have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Honor?
Honor originates from English tradition. English 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 Honor?
Honor is a two-syllable name pronounced AA1 N AH0 R EY2. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Honor trending right now?
Honor is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.