Hondo

♂ Boy

Pronounced HON-doh /ˈhɒn.doʊ/Medium

Meaning: From Shona, spoken in Zimbabwe, Hondo means 'war.' It is also familiar as the title of a John Wayne western, an echo we note honestly. Noted here respectfully as a heritage name.Low

In 30 seconds: A bold Shona name: Hondo means 'war' (said 'HON-doh'). It also echoes a classic western film, which we note.

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Origin LowShona

MeaningFrom Shona, spoken in Zimbabwe, Hondo means 'war.' It is also familiar as the title of a John Wayne western, an echo we note honestly. Noted here respectfully as a heritage name.

U.S. rank (2024)#12954 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births5 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2022

Total births (all-time)≈ 92

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

Hondo comes from Shona, spoken in Zimbabwe, where it means 'war.' In American ears it also recalls the 1953 John Wayne western Hondo, an echo we note honestly. Strong and resonant, it is noted here respectfully (said 'HON-doh').

As a given name it is rare in the U.S. Rare, heritage-rooted, and bold.

Did you know? Hondo is a Shona word for 'war' from Zimbabwe; it also names a John Wayne western, an echo we note honestly (said 'HON-doh').

Overall data confidence 45%

References — Hondo — Shona 'war'; John Wayne film echo; noted honestly

Variations

Hondoh

Nicknames

HonDoh

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Hondo mean?

Hondo is a Shona name from Zimbabwe meaning 'war'; it also names a classic western, which we note.

How do you pronounce Hondo?

It's said HON-doh /ˈhɒn.doʊ/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Hondo a boy or girl name?

Hondo is used as a boy's name.

How popular is Hondo?

Hondo is a rare name in the U.S.