Rising since 1985, #2,387 for girls today.
Popularity of Honor since 1888
Babies named Honor per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1880s | 6 | 0 |
| 1890s | 30 | 0 |
| 1900s | 52 | 0 |
| 1910s | 81 | 0 |
| 1920s | 121 | 0 |
| 1930s | 86 | 0 |
| 1940s | 74 | 0 |
| 1950s | 76 | 6 |
| 1960s | 100 | 0 |
| 1970s | 121 | 0 |
| 1980s | 88 | 0 |
| 1990s | 156 | 0 |
| 2000s | 429 | 124 |
| 2010s | 1,111 | 687 |
| 2020s | 598 | 658 |
Meaning & origin
Honor is an English virtue name with Puritan roots, revived in the modern era as a unisex choice. First recorded in the U.S. in 1888, it has seen a steady rise in popularity since 1985, reaching its peak rank in 2013. The name appears most frequently in Georgia, Tennessee, and Pennsylvania. With a straightforward meaning and a sound that feels both classic and fresh, it fits a broader trend of word-based names like Grace or Justice. The name's rarity (about 1 in 21,430 births) appeals to parents seeking something distinctive yet familiar.
Honor comes from the Old French 'honor' (modern French 'honneur'), itself from Latin 'honor' meaning 'esteem, dignity'. It was used as a virtue name by Puritans in the 17th century, alongside other abstract qualities like Grace and Faith. In the modern era, it has been revived as a unisex name, often chosen for its aspirational meaning and simplicity.
Where Honor is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Nori, Hon, Nory
Variants: Honour
Sibling names for Honor
Names that share Honor's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Grace, Faith, Verity, Mercy, Constance, Glory, Justyce, Love, Loyalty, Majesty, Praise, Faithlynn, Favor, Merit, Modesty, Patria, Glorie, Prudy, Purity, Sacred, Truly, Justise, Justiss, Prosperity, Sincerity, Temprence
Brothers: Justice, True, Valor, Creed, Noble, Judge, Loyal, Sir, Truth, Champion, Constant, Herald, Majestic, Nation, Squire, Truce, Trust, Anthem, Chief, Finesse, Kingdom, Righteous, Sovereign, Winner, Bravery, Courage, Credence, Dominion, Legendary, Power, Valiant
