Halo

♂ Boy

Pronounced HAY-loh /ˈheɪ.loʊ/High

Meaning: Ring of light; from Greek halos (disk of the sun or moon, circular threshing floor), used in Christian art for the radiant light around holy figures' headsHigh

In 30 seconds: A Greek-origin word name meaning 'ring of light,' used in Christian art for the radiant circle around a saint's head. As a given name it is luminous, spiritual, and also associated with the Halo video game franchise.

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Origin HighGreek, English

MeaningRing of light; from Greek halos (disk of the sun or moon, circular threshing floor), used in Christian art for the radiant light around holy figures' heads

U.S. rank (2025)#931 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births253 boys (0.01% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2025

Total births (all-time)≈ 1,002

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Halo derives from Greek halos (circular threshing floor, disk of the sun or moon). In Christian iconography it became the ring of light surrounding the heads of holy figures. The word entered English in the 17th century. The video game Halo (2001) brought the word into gaming culture.

Halo appeared in U.S. boys' birth data from the 2010s. It ranked #994 for boys in 2024.

Did you know? The halo in Christian art derives from ancient Greek and Roman imagery of the sun as a disk (halos: circular threshing floor) — pre-Christian Roman emperors were depicted with halos, and early Christian artists borrowed the convention to honor saints and Christ.

Overall data confidence 94%

U.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

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Nicknames

Hal

Famous Bearers

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If you like Halo…

Rio— two-syllable nature concept name with the same luminous, airy quality

Zephyr— Greek name for west wind with the same sky/light feel

Orion— Greek constellation name with the same celestial quality

Sol— Latin/Spanish sun name with the same radiant, light-filled meaning

Lux— Latin name meaning light, in the same luminous category

Explore names like Halo

By themeenglish greek two-syllable light spiritual christian gaming

By meaningLight God / Divine Moon Sun

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Halo mean?

Halo means 'ring of light,' from Greek halos (disk of sun or moon). In Christian art it is the radiant circle around a saint's head.

How do you pronounce Halo?

It's said HAY-loh — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Halo a boy or girl name?

Halo is used primarily as a boys' name.

How popular is Halo?

Halo ranked #994 for U.S. boys in 2024.