A 1950s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Hal since 1880
Babies named Hal per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 178 |
| 1890s | 211 |
| 1900s | 229 |
| 1910s | 1,073 |
| 1920s | 1,834 |
| 1930s | 1,810 |
| 1940s | 2,614 |
| 1950s | 4,423 |
| 1960s | 2,199 |
| 1970s | 889 |
| 1980s | 531 |
| 1990s | 263 |
| 2000s | 156 |
| 2010s | 184 |
| 2020s | 190 |
Meaning & origin
Hal is a classic English nickname that has stood on its own as a given name for over a century. First recorded in U.S. data in 1880, it reached its peak rank of 3128 in 1956, when the name was most common among baby boys. After a period of decline, Hal has been rising in use since 2005, reflecting a revival of vintage short-form names. It is particularly popular in Utah and California. With a current 1-in-44949 birth rate in 2025, Hal remains a rare but familiar choice, appealing to parents seeking a concise, traditional name with historical weight.
Hal originated as a medieval English nickname for Henry and Harold. Henry derives from Germanic 'heim' (home) and 'ric' (ruler), while Harold comes from 'hari' (army) and 'wald' (rule). It was also used for Halbert, a variant of Albert. By the 20th century, Hal became an independent given name, particularly in the United States.
Where Hal is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Sibling names for Hal
Names that share Hal's style, for a brother or sister.
