Rising since 1989, #5,208 for boys today.
Popularity of Hesston since 1986
Babies named Hesston per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1980s | 5 |
| 1990s | 37 |
| 2000s | 57 |
| 2010s | 190 |
| 2020s | 121 |
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.

