Hero

♂ Boy

Pronounced HEER-oh /ˈhɪər.oʊ/High

Meaning: Defender; protector; warrior; from Greek heros (a man of superhuman strength and valor, a warrior-protector)High

In 30 seconds: From Greek heros (a warrior of superhuman strength). In mythology Hero was the priestess of Aphrodite who loved Leander — and in English 'hero' became the word for any person of exceptional courage and virtue.

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Origin HighGreek

MeaningDefender; protector; warrior; from Greek heros (a man of superhuman strength and valor, a warrior-protector)

U.S. rank (2025)#2195 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births65 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2021

Total births (all-time)≈ 804

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

Hero comes from Greek heros (a man of superhuman courage and strength, a legendary warrior). In mythology, Hero was the priestess of Aphrodite at Sestos whose love affair with Leander inspired Marlowe's poem. The English word 'hero' derives from the same Greek root.

Hero has been used as a given name for both boys and girls in recent years. For boys it ranked #2342 in 2024, evoking pure aspirational strength and virtue.

Did you know? The Greek word heros may derive from the same root as the Latin word for man (vir) — suggesting that in ancient Greece, the concept of heroism was built into the very word for a man of extraordinary virtue, not a separate category.

Overall data confidence 94%

Behind the Name — Hero — Greek etymologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

Hiro

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

★Hero (Greek mythology) (mythological)
Priestess of Aphrodite at Sestos whose tragic love affair with Leander inspired poets including Ovid and Christopher Marlowe.

If you like Hero…

Valor— virtue concept name with the same warrior-courage meaning

Titan— Greek mythology name with the same epic power feel

Ace— one-syllable excellence name with the same bold confidence

Magnus— Latin name meaning great with the same superhuman feel

Rex— Latin name meaning king with the same classic authority

Explore names like Hero

By themegreek unisex two-syllable mythology warrior concept-name

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Hero mean?

Hero means 'defender' or 'warrior,' from Greek heros (a man of superhuman strength and valor).

How do you pronounce Hero?

It's said HEER-oh /ˈhɪər.oʊ/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Hero a boy or girl name?

Hero appears in boys' data in 2024, though it is also used for girls.

How popular is Hero?

Hero ranked #2342 for U.S. boys in 2024.