👶

The perfect name is out there — we're here to help you find it.

Names meaning "hero" appear across multiple cultural traditions — from ancient Hebrew and Greek to modern English coinages. Each carries this meaning in a distinct cultural context.

Names meaning "hero" — key facts

  • 195 names contain the meaning "hero"
  • 175 gender-specific names, plus 12 gender-neutral
  • Names meaning "hero" appear in Hebrew, Latin, Greek, Arabic, and Sanskrit traditions
  • Meaning-based name searches have grown 45% year-over-year as parents seek intentional names

Girl Names Meaning "Hero"

55 girl names with this meaning

#560
[German
Feminine form of CORNELIUS. In the 2nd century BC it was borne by Cornelia Scipionis Africana (the daughter of the military hero Scipio Africanus), the mother of the two reformers known as the Gracchi.
#572
American
Derived from 'Cora', meaning 'maiden' or 'daughter of a hero'.
#575
[English
Derived from Latin mirandus meaning "admirable, wonderful". The name was created by Shakespeare for the heroine in his play 'The Tempest' (1611), about a father and daughter stranded on an island.
#586
Spanish-speaking countries
A variant of the name Aeneas, associated with the hero of Virgil's epic, meaning 'praise'.
#611
[English]↑ Rising
Latinate form of ESTELLE. This was the name of the heroine, Estella Havisham, in Charles Dickens' novel 'Great Expectations' (1860).
#686
American↑ Rising
Heroine
#712
American
son of the great hero
#786
[English↑ Rising
Medieval diminutive of ROBERT. Robin Hood was a legendary hero and archer of medieval England who stole from the rich to give to the poor.
#815
[English]
Variant of Porcia, the feminine form of the Roman family name PORCIUS, used by William Shakespeare for the heroine of his play 'The Merchant of Venice' (1596).
#835
Greece
Latinized form of Βερενικη (Berenike), the Macedonian form of the Greek name Φερενικη (Pherenike), which meant "bringing victory" from φερω (phero) "to bring" and νικη (nike) "victory".
#876
American
heroine, praise
#882
[English
Means "bee" in Hebrew. In the Old Testament Book of Judges, Deborah is a heroine and prophetess who leads the Israelites when they are threatened by the Canaanites.
#975
American
Heroine
#976
Scandinavia
hero's daughter; fair, beautiful
#991
Greece
A feminine form of the name Theron, meaning 'hunter' or 'to hunt'.
#992
English-speaking countries
derived from 'Herlé', related to 'hero'
#1014
Ireland
fair-haired hero
#1031
American
heroine
#1032
USA
derived from Halle, meaning 'heroine', combined with a feminine suffix
#1073
American
An American name possibly derived from 'Cherokee', referring to the Native American tribe.
#1107
Greece
From Μαριαμη (Mariame), the form of MARIA used by the historian Josephus when referring to the wife of King Herod.
#1194
Ireland
son of the hero
#1228
American
A feminine form of the surname Nally, meaning 'descendant of the noble' or 'hero.'
#1245
American
A variant form of Sheron, often interpreted as 'beloved or darling'
#1338
Hebrew-speaking countries
Gabrielah means 'God is my strength' or 'heroine of God'.
#1339
American
Heroic, brave
#1390
[English]
Meaning unknown. It was a rare name when British author Marie Corelli used it for the Norwegian heroine of her novel 'Thelma' (1887).
#1424
Latvia
female hero; brave
#1482
American
of the Cherokee people, referring to a Native American tribe.
#1651
American
Heroic, victorious
#1675
American
Shirley + Lynn: heron meadow or lake
#1721
American
A variant of the name Oneyka, which derives from the Igbo word for 'to be a heroine'.
#1762
Vietnam
Phương: direction, side; Anh: hero, brother.
#1782
Georgia
language: Gela means 'hero' or 'brave one' in Georgian.
#1899
American
Son of the hero; derived from the surname McKinley.
#1915
American
heroine + lane
#1925
England
Latin form of ESTHER. Like Esther, it has been used in England since the Protestant Reformation. Nathaniel Hawthorne used it for the heroine of his novel 'The Scarlet Letter' (1850), Hester Prynne.
#2124
Ireland
Means "beauty" from the Gaelic word aoibh. In Irish legend Aoife was a warrior princess. In war against her sister Scathach, she was defeated in single combat by the hero Cúchulainn.
#2306
[English]
From the name of huge trees that grow in California. The tree got its name from the Cherokee scholar Sequoya (also known as George Guess), the inventor of the Cherokee alphabet.
#2442
[Literature]↑ Rising
Derived from Greek αμαρυσσω (amarysso) "to sparkle". This was the name of a heroine in Virgil's epic poem 'Eclogues'. The amaryllis flower is named for her.
#2524
American↑ Rising
Derived from Cherokee word meaning 'solitary' or 'alone'
#2948
Greece↑ Rising
Uncertain meaning, possibly from either Greek ‘ηρως (heros) "hero, warrior"; ‘ωρα (hora) "period of time"; or ‘αιρεω (haireo) "to be chosen". In Greek mythology Hera was the queen of the gods, the sister and wife of Zeus.
#6247
USA
derived from Hailey, meaning 'hay clearing' or 'heroine'
#7874
American↑ Rising
A modern feminine form of Macklyn, meaning 'son of the hero'.
#8212
Spain↑ Rising
Beautiful heroine
#9992
English-speaking countries
son of the hero
American
From the oak tree; Variant of the name Deirdre, which is associated with a tragic heroine
USA
Heroine
American↑ Rising
The name Kehloni is often thought to be derived from Native American origins, particularly amongst the Cherokee people.
Japan
Meaning is connected to the character in the 'Rising of the Shield Hero' series.
American
Descendant of the warrior; 'son of the hero'.
Native American
Cherokee
Scotland
Fair-haired hero
American
Son of the hero
Scottish
son of the fair hero

Boy Names Meaning "Hero"

128 boy names with this meaning

#55
USA
From the Late Greek name Χριστοφορος (Christophoros) meaning "bearing CHRIST", derived from Χριστος (Christos) combined with φερω (phero) "to bear, to carry".
#478
[English]
From a surname which has several different origins. It could be from the Old English given names Cyneric "royal power" or Cenric "bold power", or from the Welsh name Cynwrig "chief hero".
#508
Italy
Italian, Spanish and Portuguese form of RUDOLF. This is the name of the hero in Puccini's opera 'La Bohème' (1896).
#558
Vietnam
The name means 'brave' or 'heroic'.
#563
[Biblical
From the Hebrew name שִׁמְשׁוֹן (Shimshon) which meant "sun". Samson was an Old Testament hero granted exceptional strength by God. His mistress Delilah betrayed him and cut his hair, stripping him of his power.
#598
China
Meaning 'an elegant man' or can imply 'a walk of grandeur' depending on its character formation.; Typically associated with the meaning 'brave' or 'heroic'.
#622
American
A warrior or hero
#636
Japan
Yohei can mean 'heroic peace' or 'excellent peace,' depending on the kanji characters used.
#644
Japan
long-lasting, heroic
#665
English-speaking countries
Little hero
#681
Italy
Italian form of REYNOLD. This is the Italian name of the hero Renaud, a character in several Renaissance epics.
#697
Persian-speaking countries
the name of a hero from Persian mythology
#704
Irish
descendant of the one who is a hero.
#740
English-speaking countries
A poet, often one who recites epic or heroic poems.
#762
India
hero; bravery, valor
#773
Kyrgyzstan
The name refers to a 'hero' or 'champion' and is associated with bravery.
#797
China
Peaceful; the name often refers to tranquility.; A name meaning 'hero' or 'masculine'.
#836
Albania
meaning 'brave' or 'heroic'
#836
Finland
related to 'Väinö', which is associated with the old Finnish hero Väinämöinen, a wise man of songs and magic.; derived from 'Vaino' meaning 'path' or 'way'.
#848
Philippines
Brave one or hero.
#869
Arabic
Talented, strong, hero)
#897
American
a blend of names, possibly a combination of 'Jared' and 'Gabriel', suggesting 'to descend' or 'hero of God'.
#928
American
The name Jethero (יתרו) is of Hebrew origin, meaning 'his excellency' or 'abundance'.
#943
Greece
the one who will be a hero
#962
Persian-speaking regions
Hero or legendary figure
#963
English
A name of uncertain etymology, possibly derived from Welsh meaning 'hero' or 'generous'.
#1019
Germanic
A mythical hero or one with a strong outlook
#1046
Japan
manly; heroic
#1050
Japan
important person, hero
#1058
Germanic
Shining hero
#1059
Portugal
Derived from 'Hercules', relating to strength and heroism.
#1060
French
heroic
#1064
Arabic
To be strong; heroic.
#1112
China
Typically translates to 'successful and outstanding' or 'to become a hero', depending on the characters (成与).
#1124
India
victorious hero
#1149
United Kingdom
smooth hero or chief
#1213
Persian
Hero; An advocate or supporter
#1232
India
Victorious hero
#1236
China
Kǎiyīng) may translate to 'victorious hero'.
#1237
Greece
Of Achilles; related to the legendary hero of Greek mythology.
#1345
Turkish
Warrior; robust hero
#1385
American
valiant, heroic
#1411
Japan
A person who is brave or heroic.
#1437
Iran
A mythical hero and emblematic of bravery
#1442
American
Heroic
#1450
Italy
A variant of Geno, linked to the city of Genoa; A name meaning 'hero' or 'strength'
#1466
American
A variant of 'Teron' or 'Theron', meaning 'hunter'.
#1477
Arabic
Knight, heroic
#1537
American
a strong warrior, brave hero
#1579
English
Army ruler; Strong hero
#1584
Poland
Derived from the word for 'eager' or 'heroic'.
#1589
Japanese
The meaning can vary based on the kanji used; common interpretations include 'hero' (勇気) or 'dream' (夢希).
#1591
American
The name Christopher means 'bearer of Christ' in Greek, deriving from the words 'Christos' (Christ) and 'pheros' (to bear).
#1598
American
A variant of 'Kendray', potentially meaning 'brave' or 'heroic'
#1605
Welsh-speaking countries
a young warrior or hero
#1616
Greek
One who is praised; a character from ancient mythology.; A hero in the Trojan War, known for his virtuous nature.
#1633
India
Great Hero
#1642
American
Derived from the name Theron, meaning 'hunter.'
#1654
Japan
Integrity, hero
#1669
Spanish-speaking countries
A variation of the name Arthur, meaning 'bear' or 'hero.'
#1676
American
Hero's ruler
#1679
Hebrew
Heroic
#1701
India
Black' or 'Dark'; 'Arjuna' or 'Hero'
#1808
Japan
man, hero
#1825
English
shield hero
#1825
American
A modern name that is likely a variation of 'Theron' which means 'hunter'.
#1844
Japanese
wealthy hero; friend and man
#1845
Cambodia
a hero
#1857
Turkey
brave; hero
#1885
Ireland
Heroic
#1888
Philippines
hero, brave
#1894
China
From Chinese 家 (jiā) meaning "home, family" combined with 豪 (háo) meaning "brave, heroic, chivalrous". This name can be formed from other character combinations as well.
#1909
American
hero of the battlefield
#1925
China
Xióng) means 'hero' or 'male'.; A common surname and given name in Lao culture.
#1938
Turkey
land, earth; derived from 'er' (hero) + 'di' (has been)
#1995
Korean
great, heroic
#3209
India↑ Rising
son of Pritha (Kunti), another name for the hero Arjun.
#3315
American↑ Rising
A modern spelling variant of the word 'legend', suggestive of fame or heroism.
#3418
Italian↑ Rising
derived from 'Arius', meaning 'hero' or 'lion'.; a variation that could be linked to strength or bravery.
#3472
Japan↑ Rising
From Japanese 昭 (aki) meaning "bright, luminous" combined with 夫 (o) meaning "man, husband", 男 (o) meaning "male" or 雄 (o) meaning "hero, manly". Other kanji combinations are possible.
#3646
Ireland↑ Rising
From Irish fionn (older Irish finn) meaning "fair" or "white". Fionn mac Cumhail was a legendary Irish hero who became all-wise by eating an enchanted salmon.
#3800
Arab countries↑ Rising
brave, hero
#4222
Turkey
hero, brave
#4676
American↑ Rising
Pertaining to legends or folklore; famous for heroic deeds.
#5477
Iran↑ Rising
A heroic archer in Iranian mythology.
#5693
Ireland↑ Rising
Battle hero
#5754
American↑ Rising
grey heron
#6225
Ancient Greece
Latin form of the Greek name Αινειας (Aineias), derived from Greek αινη (aine) meaning "praise". In Greek legend he was a son of Aphrodite and was one of the chief heroes who defended Troy from the Greeks.
#6443
Iran↑ Rising
The name refers to a legendary hero of Persian literature, particularly known from the Shahnameh.
#7055
Slavic
Means 'warrior' or 'hero'.
#7077
Japan↑ Rising
One who is a hero or brave
#7288
India
one who is heroic, passionate, and valiant
#7337
Armenia
hero, brave
#7423
Scotland
Fair hero
#7801
Philippines↑ Rising
Means "hero" in Tagalog.
#8178
Persian-speaking countries↑ Rising
a hero or a person with strength.
#8444
American↑ Rising
heroic, extraordinary
#8771
Turkey
Hero; Strong person
#8919
India↑ Rising
Brave, Heroic
#8981
India
Name meaning associated with Lord Krishna, representing divine love and heroism.
#9377
Italy
Derived from Massimo, meaning 'the greatest'.; Means 'hero' or 'brave'.
#9522
Scandinavian countries↑ Rising
heroic
#9557
English-speaking countries
Sherod is a variation of the name 'Sherwood', which means 'from the wooded area'
#9575
Chinese
hero; leader
#9614
Arabic↑ Rising
avenger, heroic
#9792
Persia
hero, protector
American
heroic or strong
Greece
The name means 'wrathful' or 'to be angry'. It is derived from Odysseus (Οδυσσεύς), the legendary hero of Homer's epics.
France
hero of the sea
Irish
Fair-haired hero; Descendant of the fair warrior
Indonesia↑ Rising
brave, hero
American
son of the hero
China
Heroic man
Turkey
brave, heroic, valiant
Japan↑ Rising
man of virtuous hero
Japan
Heroic, calm
American
brave hero
Turkey
epic hero
Italy
the name of a hero; a champion
China
heroic universe'; 浩宇 – 'vast universe'

Unisex Names Meaning "Hero"

12 gender-neutral names with this meaning

#1736
Persian-speaking countries
hero
#1903
China
From Chinese 杰 (jié) meaning "heroic, outstanding" or other characters which are pronounced similarly.
#2157
Greek↑ Rising
heroine; brave one
#2481
Greek
Meaning 'hero' or 'lion'.
#2624
English-speaking countries↑ Rising
Derived from 'Hale', meaning 'hero' or 'brave'.
#2664
Scotland↑ Rising
fair-haired hero
#2987
English-speaking countries
Fair-haired hero
#4035
American↑ Rising
heroic, grand
#4144
USA
Fair-haired hero
#5323
American↑ Rising
Son of the hero.
#9504
American↑ Rising
The name of a famous Cherokee leader and inventor of the Cherokee syllabary.
American
A variation of Finley, meaning 'fair-haired hero' or 'son of the white warrior'.

Get your free baby name shortlist

Tell us your style, we'll send 20 names you'll love — curated, not generated.