Find out how popular the first name Honor has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Honor by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Honor is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 64% of people named Honor being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 110 male babies and 99 female babies born with the name Honor.

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

The history of the first name Honor

The name Honor is derived from the Latin word "honos" which means esteem, respect, or honor. It first emerged as a given name in the late 16th century during the Renaissance period, a time of renewed interest in classical languages and culture.

Honor was initially used as a virtue name, reflecting the values of integrity, dignity, and moral uprightness. It gained popularity among the English aristocracy and gentry, who saw it as a noble and aspirational name for their children.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Honor is found in the 1576 work "The Paradise of Dainty Devices" by Richard Edwards, where a character is named "Mistress Honor." This literary reference suggests that the name was already in use by the late 16th century.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Honor. One of the earliest was Honor Prendergast (1621-1697), an English landowner and philanthropist who founded a school for the poor in her hometown of Carmarthenshire, Wales.

Another notable figure was Honor Blackman (1925-2020), the English actress best known for her roles as Pussy Galore in the James Bond film "Goldfinger" and as Cathy Gale in the 1960s TV series "The Avengers."

In literature, Honor Bright was the name of a character in the 1892 novel "The Prisoner of Zenda" by Anthony Hope. This fictional character embodied the virtues associated with the name, serving as a positive representation of honor and integrity.

The name Honor also has a historical connection to the American Revolution. Honor Merrill (1760-1850) was a patriot from Massachusetts who aided the Continental Army by providing food and shelter to troops during the war.

In more recent times, Honor Blackman (1923-2020), the English actress and singer, gained fame for her roles in films and television shows, bringing renewed attention to the name Honor.

While the name Honor has its roots in Latin and European history, it has since gained popularity around the world, transcending cultural and linguistic boundaries. Its enduring appeal lies in its association with positive values and aspirations, making it a timeless and meaningful choice for parents seeking a name with a strong ethical connotation.

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

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

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