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Heather
Pronounced HE-ther /ˈhɛð.ər/Low
Meaning: The heather plant, a flowering shrub of the Scottish moorsLow
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
Heather comes from the Old English word for the low-growing flowering shrub Calluna vulgaris, which covers the moors of Scotland and northern England. As a given name it emerged in the 19th century and peaked in the late 20th century.
Heather was a massively popular girl name in the 1970s-1990s in both the US and UK. The 1988 dark comedy film Heathers reflected the name's cultural saturation. It carries a warm retro feel today.
Variations
Nicknames
Famous Bearers
- ★Heather Locklear (b. 1961)American actress known for Dynasty, T.J. Hooker and Melrose Place
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Frequently Asked
What does Heather mean?
Heather refers to the flowering shrub Calluna vulgaris that covers Scottish and English moorlands with purple and white blooms.
When was Heather most popular?
Heather was a top-20 girl name in the United States and United Kingdom throughout the 1970s and 1980s.
How do you pronounce Heather?
Heather is pronounced HE-ther with two syllables.
What names are similar to Heather?
Similar plant names include Holly, Fern, Flora, and Ivy.