Hal

♂ Boy

Hal Pronunciation

Hal is pronounced HAL /ˈhæl/High

Meaning: Medieval pet form of Henry ('home ruler') or Harold ('army ruler'); a crisp one-syllable nameMedium

In 30 seconds: Shakespeare's prince in one syllable: Hal is the old pet form of Henry — and the nickname of the future Henry V in the history plays. Vintage, friendly, and quietly regal.

💕 Browse more names

Origin MediumGermanic, English

MeaningMedieval pet form of Henry ('home ruler') or Harold ('army ruler'); a crisp one-syllable name

U.S. rank (2024)#3471 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births33 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1956

Total births (all-time)≈ 16,746

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

History & Origin

Hal is a medieval English pet form of Henry — Germanic Heimirich, 'home ruler' — and sometimes Harold ('army ruler'). Shakespeare's Prince Hal cemented its charm; the actor Hal Holbrook and others kept it alive.

It registers thinly today, reading as vintage and warm. Ruler at the root, snappy, and ripe for revival.

Did you know? In Shakespeare's 'Henry IV', the young Prince Henry is affectionately called Prince Hal — making the nickname a literary byword for a wild youth who grows into a great king.

Overall data confidence 82%

Behind the Name — Hal — pet form background

Variations

HalbertHenryHarold

Nicknames

—

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Hal…

Henry— the formal name behind it

Harold— the alternate source name

Cal— a fellow short vintage name

Hutch— a fellow Germanic choice

Axl— a similarly popular pick

→ See all names like Hal

Browse the whole category: All Germanic names → · All English names → · All origins →

Frequently Asked

How do you pronounce Hal?

Hal is pronounced HAL (/ˈhæl/). Press play above to hear Hal said aloud.

How do you say Hal?

Hal is said HAL (/ˈhæl/). Press play above to hear Hal said aloud.

What does the name Hal mean?

Hal is a pet form of Henry ('home ruler') or Harold ('army ruler').

Is Hal a boy or girl name?

Hal is a boy's name.

How popular is Hal?

Hal is a rare vintage name in the U.S.