Find out how popular the first name Heer has been for the last 20 years (from 2004 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Heer by gender

Based on the last 20 years of data, Heer is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 17 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Heer.

The history of the first name Heer

The name Heer has its origins in the Persian language, where it is derived from the word "hir" meaning "lion." It is believed to have originated in ancient Persia, which is modern-day Iran, during the time of the Achaemenid Empire (550-330 BCE). This period saw the rise of influential Persian rulers such as Cyrus the Great and Darius the Great.

In Persian culture, the lion has long been a symbol of strength, courage, and royalty, making the name Heer a fitting choice for those born into nobility or aspiring to greatness. The name was likely bestowed upon male children as a way of imbuing them with these qualities from birth.

One of the earliest recorded references to the name Heer can be found in the epic poem "Heer Ranjha," a tragic love story from the 16th century that is considered a masterpiece of Punjabi literature. In this tale, Heer is the name of the female protagonist, a beautiful and virtuous woman whose love for Ranjha, a young man from a lower caste, defies societal norms.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Heer. One such figure was Heer Khan (1500-1565), a Pashtun warrior and chieftain who played a pivotal role in the Afghan resistance against the Mughal Empire. Another was Heer Singh Nalwa (1791-1837), a renowned military commander in the Sikh Empire who was known for his tactical brilliance and bravery on the battlefield.

In the literary realm, Heer Waris Shah (1766-1853) was a renowned Sufi poet from what is now Pakistan. His masterpiece, the epic poem "Heer Ranjha," has been widely celebrated for its poetic artistry and exploration of themes such as love, sacrifice, and spiritual enlightenment.

A more contemporary figure bearing the name Heer was Heer Kunwari (1914-1988), an Indian classical singer and actor who was celebrated for her contributions to Hindustani music and her performances in several Bollywood films.

While the name Heer may have its roots in ancient Persia, it has since been embraced across various cultures and regions, particularly in South Asia, where it continues to be a popular choice for naming children, carrying with it a sense of strength, courage, and nobility.

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 Heer was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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