Homer

♂ Boy

Pronounced HOH-mər /ˈhoʊ.mər/High

Meaning: From Greek Homeros, traditionally 'hostage' or 'pledge' — the epic poet of the Iliad and OdysseyMedium

In 30 seconds: The father of epic poetry: Homer composed the Iliad and Odyssey — his name traditionally 'hostage, pledge'. Classical, vintage, and richly storied (and a beloved cartoon dad).

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Origin MediumGreek

MeaningFrom Greek Homeros, traditionally 'hostage' or 'pledge' — the epic poet of the Iliad and Odyssey

U.S. rank (2025)#4769 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births21 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1920

Total births (all-time)≈ 60,912

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

Homer comes from Greek Homeros, traditionally 'hostage' or 'pledge' (the ancient meaning is debated, which we note) — the name of the epic poet of the Iliad and Odyssey. A vintage classic, it gained pop-culture warmth from The Simpsons.

It registers thinly today. Rare, hostage-or-pledge at the (traditional) root, and storied.

Did you know? Homer, the legendary author of the Iliad and Odyssey, has a name traditionally read 'hostage' or 'pledge' — and The Simpsons gave it a whole new cultural life.

Overall data confidence 75%

Behind the Name — Homer — meaning debated

Variations

HomèreOmero

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

★Homer
Ancient Greek epic poet traditionally credited with composing the Iliad and the Odyssey
★Homer Hickam (1943-)
American engineer and author whose memoir Rocket Boys was adapted into the film October Sky
★Homer Laughlin (1843-1896)
American entrepreneur who co-founded the Homer Laughlin China Company, makers of Fiesta dinnerware

If you like Homer…

Virgil— a fellow epic-poet name

Atlas— a companion classical name

Cyrus— another vintage classical name

Kyier— echoes that soft -er sound

Sander— shares Homer's Greek roots

Explore names like Homer

By themeuncertain greek vintage classical

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Homer mean?

Homer is Greek, traditionally 'hostage' or 'pledge' — the name of the epic poet; the meaning is debated.

How do you pronounce Homer?

It's said HOH-mər /ˈhoʊ.mər/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Homer a boy or girl name?

Homer is a boy's name.

How popular is Homer?

Homer is a rare name in the U.S.