Find out how popular the first name Hero has been for the last 24 years (from 2000 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Hero by gender

Based on the last 24 years of data, Hero is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 76% of people named Hero being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 67 male babies and 5 female babies born with the name Hero.

The history of the first name Hero

The name Hero originated from the ancient Greek language. It derives from the word "heros" which means "protector" or "defender." The name can be traced back to ancient Greek mythology and literature from around the 8th century BC.

In Greek mythology, a hero was a figure of great strength and courage, often favored by the gods and revered for their noble deeds. Some of the most famous heroes from Greek mythology include Hercules, Achilles, and Odysseus. These mythological heroes were central characters in epic poems and stories that were passed down through oral traditions.

One of the earliest known references to the name Hero is found in the ancient Greek play "Hero and Leander" written by the poet Musaeus around the 5th century AD. The play tells the tragic love story of Hero, a priestess of Aphrodite, and Leander, a young man from Abydos.

In the Middle Ages, the name Hero gained popularity in Europe, particularly in regions influenced by Greek culture and literature. One notable historical figure with this name was Hero of Alexandria, a renowned Greek mathematician, physicist, and engineer who lived in the 1st century AD. She is credited with developing the first steam-powered engine and writing influential works on mechanics and mathematics.

During the Renaissance period, the name Hero became associated with ideals of bravery, courage, and heroism. One famous bearer of this name was Girolamo Gerolamo Fracastoro, an Italian physician, poet, and scholar who lived from 1478 to 1553. He is known for his contributions to the study of infectious diseases and for coining the term "syphilis."

In the 19th century, the name Hero gained popularity in English-speaking countries, likely influenced by the romantic and heroic themes in literature and art of that era. One notable figure with this name was Hero Tyndale, an English writer and activist who lived from 1822 to 1891. She was a prominent advocate for women's rights and education.

Another historical figure with the name Hero was Hero Fiennes-Tiffin, an English actor and model born in 1997. He is best known for his portrayal of Hardin Scott in the "After" film series, based on the popular young adult novels.

Throughout history, the name Hero has been associated with bravery, courage, and heroic ideals. While its origins can be traced back to ancient Greek mythology and literature, the name has been embraced across cultures and eras, serving as a powerful symbol of strength and resilience.

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

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

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