Find out how popular the first name Honest has been for the last 18 years (from 2006 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Honest by gender

Based on the last 18 years of data, Honest is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 55% of people named Honest being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 36 male babies and 24 female babies born with the name Honest.

It's also interesting to see that despite Honest being historically a mostly female name, the most recent data from 2023 shows a shift in the trend, with more male babies being named Honest.

The history of the first name Honest

The name Honest has its origins in the Latin language, specifically derived from the word "honestus," which means "honorable" or "virtuous." It emerged during the classical period of ancient Rome, a time when virtues such as integrity and uprightness were highly prized.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Honest can be found in the writings of the Roman philosopher Cicero, who lived from 106 BC to 43 BC. He often used the term "honestus" to describe individuals of high moral character and ethical conduct.

As Christianity spread throughout the Roman Empire, the name Honest gained popularity among early Christian communities. It was seen as a reflection of the virtues taught by the faith, such as honesty, truthfulness, and moral rectitude.

In the Middle Ages, the name Honest was relatively uncommon but was occasionally bestowed upon individuals who were known for their upright character and unwavering commitment to truth. One notable figure who bore this name was Honest of Paderborn, a German monk and scholar who lived in the 9th century.

During the Renaissance period, the name Honest experienced a resurgence in popularity, particularly among the educated classes. This was likely due to the renewed interest in classical literature and values during this time. One prominent individual named Honest was Honest de Justis, an Italian lawyer and diplomat who lived in the 15th century.

As the Reformation swept across Europe in the 16th century, the name Honest was embraced by some Protestant groups who valued simplicity and moral uprightness. Honest Byfield, an English Puritan minister born in 1572, was one such individual who embodied these ideals.

In the 17th century, the name Honest found its way to the Americas, carried by English and European settlers. Honest John Hart, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, was born in 1711 in New Jersey and exemplified the virtues associated with the name.

Another notable figure was Honest Abe, a nickname given to Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States. Born in 1809, Lincoln was renowned for his integrity, honesty, and unwavering commitment to truth and justice.

Throughout history, the name Honest has been bestowed upon individuals who embodied the virtues of integrity, truthfulness, and moral rectitude. While it may not be a common name today, it continues to serve as a reminder of the enduring value of honesty and ethical conduct.

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

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

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