MallowbyNames

Hesston

HES-tən · Place name: from Hesston, a town in Kansas, or derived from the Old English surname Hessington meaning 'dweller at the hessa (heath) farm.'

2025 rank (boys)
#5,208
Babies named in 2025
18
Peak popularity
2021
2025 frequency
1 in 94,893 boys
Usually for
Boys
Trend
Rising since 1989

Rising since 1989, #5,208 for boys today.

Popularity of Hesston since 1986

Babies named Hesston per year in U.S. Social Security records.

918271990200020102020Most births 2021Boys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeBoys
1980s5
1990s37
2000s57
2010s190
2020s121

Meaning & origin

Hesston is a rare American place name that first entered U.S. birth records in 1986. Its popularity has gradually climbed, with a peak in 2021, and as of 2025 it ranks 5,208 for boys, given to an estimated 1 in 94,893 newborns. The name's trajectory has been steadily rising since 1989, a pattern consistent with the modern trend of adopting surnames and place names as first names. While Hesston lacks a long history of use, its straightforward pronunciation and connection to the Kansas town give it a grounded, approachable feel. It remains a distinctive choice, appealing to parents seeking an uncommon name with American roots.

Hesston is a modern given name derived from the surname Hessington or directly from the place name Hesston in Kansas. The surname likely originates from Old English 'hæs' (heath) plus 'tūn' (enclosure, farm). The name first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1986 and has since been used sporadically, likely influenced by the Kansas town or as a variation of names like Heston.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Hess, Hes

Variants: Heston, Hessington

Sibling names for Hesston

Names that share Hesston's style, for a brother or sister.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

H is for Hesston, our favorite little boy.

H is for Hesston…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Hesston's letter becomes Hesston's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

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Questions parents ask

What does the name Hesston mean?
Hesston is a place name and surname, likely meaning 'heath farm' from Old English elements. It is also the name of a city in Kansas.
Is Hesston a boy's name or a girl's name?
Hesston is predominantly used for boys. According to recent U.S. data, it ranks around 5,208 for boys in 2025.
How popular is Hesston?
Hesston is rare: in 2025, it ranked 5,208 for boys, with an estimated 1 in 94,893 newborns receiving the name. Its peak popularity was in 2021.