Honey

♀ Girl

Pronounced HUN-ee /ˈhʌn.i/High

Meaning: From the Old English hunig (honey), referring to the sweet substance produced by bees; used as a given name and term of endearment expressing sweetness and warmthHigh

In 30 seconds: Honey is a warm, sweet Old English word-name meaning the golden bee product and used universally as a term of endearment. As a given name it carries natural sweetness, vintage charm, and Southern warmth.

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Origin HighOld English

MeaningFrom the Old English hunig (honey), referring to the sweet substance produced by bees; used as a given name and term of endearment expressing sweetness and warmth

U.S. rank (2025)#846 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births322 girls (0.02% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2025

Total births (all-time)≈ 4,753

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Honey derives from the Old English hunig, related to Old High German honag and Old Norse hunang, all meaning the sweet substance produced by bees. Honey has been used in English both as a literal word and as a term of endearment since the Middle Ages. As a given name, it falls into the category of sweet, affectionate word-names used particularly in the American South and rural traditions.

Honey as a given name appeared in American records throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries. It declined in mid-century but has seen a modest revival as parents embrace short, sweet, retro-feeling names. It fits naturally alongside vintage-revival names like Pearl, June, and Blossom. The name carries an unpretentious warmth that feels both old-fashioned and timeless.

Did you know? Honey has been used as a term of endearment in English since at least the 14th century, making it one of the longest-standing affectionate words in the language — and therefore one of the most emotionally resonant names a parent can give.

Overall data confidence 92%

Oxford English Dictionary — honey — Old English etymology and usage historyU.S. Social Security Administration — Honey as a given name frequency

Variations

HoniHunny

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

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If you like Honey…

Pearl— same category of sweet, vintage, one-two syllable nature word-names for girls

Ruby— shares the gemstone/natural sweetness theme and the vintage revival quality

Blossom— fellow sweet, nature-connected word-name with an old-fashioned charm

Clover— same tradition of whimsical, natural word-names for girls

Frequently Asked

What does the name Honey mean?

Honey means the golden sweet substance produced by bees, from Old English hunig, and is used as an endearment meaning sweetness.

How do you pronounce Honey?

It is said HUN-ee, with two syllables.

Is Honey a popular name?

Honey is a vintage name enjoying a modest revival in the U.S. and UK as parents seek sweet, retro word-names.

Is Honey a nickname or a real name?

Honey can be used as both a term of endearment and an actual given name on birth certificates.