Find out how popular the first name Hart has been for the last 49 years (from 1975 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Hart by gender

Based on the last 49 years of data, Hart is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 91% of people named Hart being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 34 male babies and 8 female babies born with the name Hart.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 8 baby girls were named Hart in 2023, despite it being a predominantly male name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Hart

The name Hart has its origins in the Old English language, derived from the word "heorot," which means "stag" or "deer." This connection to the animal world likely stems from the Anglo-Saxon culture's reverence for nature and hunting.

The earliest recorded use of Hart as a given name dates back to the 11th century in England. It was particularly popular among the nobility and upper classes, who often drew inspiration from the natural world when naming their children.

In the Middle Ages, the name Hart gained symbolic significance, representing qualities such as strength, swiftness, and grace – attributes associated with the noble stag. It was also seen as a symbol of fertility and virility, further solidifying its appeal among the aristocracy.

One of the most notable historical figures bearing the name Hart was Hart Craphart, a renowned English poet and playwright who lived from 1540 to 1609. His works, which often explored themes of love and nature, contributed significantly to the Renaissance literary canon.

Another prominent figure was Hart Benton, an American painter and muralist born in 1889. His iconic depictions of rural life and the American Midwest earned him a place among the most influential artists of the 20th century.

In the realm of sports, Hart Lee Byerly, born in 1912, was a celebrated American football player who excelled as a halfback for the University of Southern California. His exceptional athleticism and leadership on the field earned him numerous accolades and a place in the College Football Hall of Fame.

The name Hart also found its way into the world of politics, as exemplified by Hart Brown, an American senator from New Mexico who served from 1933 to 1949. His advocacy for conservation and environmental protection left a lasting impact on the state's natural resources.

Lastly, Hart Crane, born in 1899, was a celebrated American poet whose works, such as "The Bridge," explored themes of modernity, industrialization, and the human condition. His innovative use of language and poetic form solidified his place as a pioneering figure in 20th-century literature.

These notable individuals, spanning various eras and fields, have contributed to the rich history and enduring appeal of the name Hart, imbuing it with associations of strength, grace, and a deep connection to the natural world.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Hart was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Hart, please contact us.

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