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Home › Baby Names Directory › Hoss

Hoss

♂ Boy

Pronounced HOSS /ˈhɒs/High

Meaning: An English nickname — variously 'a big/strong man' (from 'horse', a friendly term for a large, dependable man); popularized by the TV character Hoss Cartwright; we note the nicknameLow

In 30 seconds: A big/strong man: Hoss is an English nickname. Crisp, retro, and warm.
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Origin LowEnglish
MeaningAn English nickname — variously 'a big/strong man' (from 'horse', a friendly term for a large, dependable man); popularized by the TV character Hoss Cartwright; we note the nickname
U.S. rank (2024)#8550 ↘ Falling
2024 U.S. births9 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2023
Total births (all-time)≈ 90

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202319732024

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

Hoss is an English nickname — variously 'a big/strong man' (from 'horse', a friendly term for a large, dependable man); popularized by the TV character Hoss Cartwright (we note the nickname). A crisp, retro name (said 'HOSS').

In the U.S. it appears as a friendly nickname-name. Rare, a-big-strong-man at the root, and crisp.

Did you know? Hoss is an English nickname for 'a big/strong man' (from 'horse', a friendly term) — popularized by the TV character Hoss Cartwright — a crisp, retro name (we note the nickname; said 'HOSS').
Overall data confidence 30%
References — Hoss — nickname-name

Variations

HosHossy

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

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If you like Hoss…

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Explore names like Hoss

By themeenglishnickname-namepop-culture
By meaningStrength

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Hoss mean?

Hoss is an English nickname for 'a big/strong man' (from 'horse'); popularized by a TV character. We note the nickname.

How do you pronounce Hoss?

It's said HOSS /ˈhɒs/ — one syllable.

Is Hoss a boy or girl name?

Hoss is a boy's name.

How popular is Hoss?

Hoss is a very rare name in the U.S.

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