Rising since 2004, #3,181 for boys today.
Popularity of Hermes since 1924
Babies named Hermes per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1920s | 6 |
| 1930s | 0 |
| 1940s | 0 |
| 1950s | 6 |
| 1960s | 47 |
| 1970s | 40 |
| 1980s | 104 |
| 1990s | 104 |
| 2000s | 101 |
| 2010s | 119 |
| 2020s | 170 |
Meaning & origin
Hermes is a rising name in the United States, ranking 3,181 in 2025, with a 1-in-46,164 rate. Its popularity has been climbing since 2004, and it reached its peak rank in 2025. The name first appeared in U.S. data in 1924, reflecting a centuries-old mythological tradition. Its top state is California, where cultural and mythological names are more common. As a name tied to the Greek god of messengers, travelers, and commerce, Hermes carries a strong, classic aura without being overused, appealing to parents drawn to mythology and distinctive names.
The name Hermes comes from Greek Ἑρμῆς (Hermes), the name of the god of trade, heraldry, and travel, identified with the Roman Mercury. The etymology is uncertain; some connect it to Greek ἕρμα (herma) meaning 'cairn, pile of stones,' which were used as boundary markers. The name entered limited use in the English-speaking world in the 19th and 20th centuries, often as a mythological reference.
Where Hermes is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Hermes” around the world
Where Hermes lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
15
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Sibling names for Hermes
Names that share Hermes's style, for a brother or sister.
