Rising since 2013, #6,446 for boys today.
Popularity of Hoss since 1973
Babies named Hoss per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 5 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 5 |
| 2000s | 5 |
| 2010s | 32 |
| 2020s | 57 |
Meaning & origin
Hoss is a rare given name in the United States, first recorded in 1973. As of 2025, it ranked 6446th with a frequency of about 1 in 131,390 boys. The name has been rising in popularity since 2013, reaching its peak in 2025. Its origins are debated, possibly from a German nickname for a quick or timid person, or as an English variant of the biblical Hoshea. The name may have gained some cultural recognition through the character Hoss Cartwright on the television show Bonanza, though this connection is not certain. The name remains uncommon and has not appeared in any top state rankings.
Hoss may be a German nickname for a swift or timorous person, from 'Hase' meaning 'hare'. Alternatively, it could be an English variant of the biblical name Hoshea, a short form of Joshua, meaning 'salvation'. As a given name in the United States, Hoss emerged in the late 20th century, possibly influenced by the character Hoss Cartwright from the television series Bonanza.
Sibling names for Hoss
Names that share Hoss's style, for a brother or sister.
