Honor

♂ Boy

Pronounced ON-er /ˈɒn.ər/High

Meaning: Honor, integrity, and dignity; from the Latin honos meaning honor or esteem, used as a virtue name in the English-speaking worldHigh

In 30 seconds: A bold virtue name drawn straight from the Latin honos, Honor carries an ancient Roman gravitas that suits both boys and girls, though it remains rare for boys, making it a striking choice.

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Origin HighLatin, English

MeaningHonor, integrity, and dignity; from the Latin honos meaning honor or esteem, used as a virtue name in the English-speaking world

U.S. rank (2024)#1577 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births109 boys (0.01% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2021

Total births (all-time)≈ 1,385

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

History & Origin

Honor derives from the Latin honos (or honor), meaning public esteem or moral dignity. The Romans personified Honor as a divine entity, erecting temples in her name. The word entered English via Old French honur after the Norman Conquest.

As a given name, Honor was used by Puritans and later Victorian virtue-namers. It gained renewed attention in the late 20th century. For boys, it remains uncommon but is occasionally chosen by parents drawn to virtue names with classical depth.

Did you know? Honor was a name borne by early Christian martyrs and appears in Roman-era inscriptions as a personification of the divine quality of moral integrity.

Overall data confidence 90%

Behind the Name — Honor — etymology and usage historyOxford English Dictionary — honor — Latin derivation and historical sense

Variations

HonourHonoraHonoria

Nicknames

Hono

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Honor…

Valor— fellow bold single-concept virtue name

Noble— same moral virtue name category

Truett— shares the upright, character-focused naming tradition

August— same Latin-rooted dignified feel

Browse the whole category: All Latin names → · All English names → · All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Honor mean?

Honor means integrity, dignity, and moral esteem, derived from the Latin honos meaning public honor.

How do you pronounce Honor?

It is said ON-er, two syllables with stress on the first.

Is Honor a boy or girl name?

Honor is used for both boys and girls but remains rare for boys, making it a distinctive choice.

How popular is Honor for boys?

Honor is uncommon for boys in the United States; it sees more use as a girls name but is occasionally chosen for boys by parents who favor virtue names.