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Home › Baby Names Directory › Horace

Horace

♂ Boy

Pronounced HOR-əs /ˈhɔr.əs/High

Meaning: From the Roman family name Horatius — possibly 'of the hours; timekeeper' (origin uncertain); the great poet HoraceLow

In 30 seconds: Of the hours: Horace is the Roman Horatius — borne by the great poet. Vintage, distinguished, and warm.
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Origin MediumLatin
MeaningFrom the Roman family name Horatius — possibly 'of the hours; timekeeper' (origin uncertain); the great poet Horace
U.S. rank (2024)#5287 ↗ Rising
2024 U.S. births18 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year1921
Total births (all-time)≈ 54,141

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 192118802024

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

Horace comes from the old Roman family name Horatius — possibly linked to hora, 'an hour, a season', hence 'of the hours; a timekeeper' (the true origin is uncertain, which we note). Borne by the great Roman lyric poet Horace, and by Admiral Horatio Nelson. A vintage, distinguished name; nicknames Horry or Race.

It registers thinly today. Rare now, of-the-hours at the (possible) root, and distinguished.

Did you know? Horace comes from the Roman family name Horatius (possibly 'of the hours; timekeeper', though the origin is uncertain) — borne by the great Roman poet Horace (and Lord Nelson, Horatio); vintage and distinguished.
Overall data confidence 68%
Behind the Name — Horace — origin uncertain

Variations

HoratioHoratiusHoracio

Nicknames

Horry

Famous Bearers

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If you like Horace…

Horacio— the Spanish form
Hugo— a companion vintage boys' name
Cyrus— another classical vintage boys' name
Maurice— a similarly popular pick
Justice— shares the -ce ending

Explore names like Horace

By themeuncertainlatinvintage

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Horace mean?

Horace is the Roman Horatius — possibly 'of the hours; timekeeper'; the origin is uncertain.

How do you pronounce Horace?

It's said HOR-əs /ˈhɔr.əs/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Horace a boy or girl name?

Horace is a boy's name.

How popular is Horace?

Horace is a rare name in the U.S. today.

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