What does Horace mean and where does it come from?
Although traditionally a male name, variants of the name Horace are occasionally used for females. The name has its origins in Latin, relating to a person who is a keeper of time or a timekeeper. In ancient Rome, Horace was the name of a revered poet known for his lyric poetry and satirical works. T
Cultural significance
Horace has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of latin.
Peak popularity
Reached #2539 in 1915 — currently #6245 in the US.
🌿
Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Horace?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Horace?
Horace works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Horace Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Horace John
One syllable · timeless choice
Horace Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Horace Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
Horace Gael
One syllable · timeless choice
Horace Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Horace right now?
Falling — down 938 spots — currently #6245 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #6245 | 14 | ▼ down 938 · -22% births |
| 2024 | #5307 | 18 | ▼ down 4330 · -99% births |
| 2023 | #977 | 1,223 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #982 | 1,203 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2021 | #987 | 1,173 | ▲ up 5425 · +23360% births |
| 1960 | #6412 | 5 | ▼ down 2018 · -37% births |
| 1955 | #4394 | 8 | ▲ up 164 · +60% births |
| 1930 | #4558 | 5 | ▼ down 1770 · -58% births |
| 1925 | #2788 | 12 | ▲ up 1180 · +71% births |
| 1920 | #3968 | 7 | ▼ down 1429 · -36% births |
| 1915 | #2539 | 11 | — |
The story of Horace
Horace entered American naming records in 1914 and has been in use for over 110 years. A total of 54,266 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #2539 in 1915 to #977 in 2023. Horace is used for both genders: 0% female and 100% male.
Names that peaked alongside Horace in 1915:
Horace by decade
Horace peaked in the 1910s. See all 1910s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 1,650 | |
| 1890s | 1,814 | |
| 1900s | 2,125 | |
| 1910s | 8,512 | |
| 1920s ★ | 11,841 | |
| 1930s | 8,172 | |
| 1940s | 6,900 | |
| 1950s | 5,749 | |
| 1960s | 3,151 | |
| 1970s | 1,818 | |
| 1980s | 1,118 | |
| 1990s | 753 | |
| 2000s | 384 | |
| 2010s | 261 | |
| 2020s | 50 | |
What are good nicknames for Horace?
What names sound and feel like Horace?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Horace also consider these
How is Horace written in other languages?
What are the girl versions of Horace?
Common questions about the name Horace
What does the name Horace mean?
Horace means "Latin" — a name rooted in American 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 Horace?
Horace is currently ranked #977 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 Horace?
Horace originates from American tradition. American 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 Horace?
Horace is a two-syllable name pronounced HAW-rus. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Horace a common or rare name?
Horace is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.